Diabetes Dialogue: Omnipod and AID Advancements at Insulet, With Trang Ly, PhD, MBBS

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives!

In this special episode recorded live at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, welcome Trang Ly, PhD, MBBS, senior vice president and Chief Medical Officer at Insulet, to discuss the continued evolution of automated insulin delivery (AID) technology and emerging developments across the Omnipod platform.

To begin the episode, Ly first reviews updates to Omnipod 5, focusing on enhancements aimed at increasing time in automated mode and improving glucose management. She explains that user feedback identified opportunities to support lower glucose targets and reduce interruptions related to system alerts. Data from real-world evidence and computer simulations suggest that lowering the glucose target from 110 to 100 mg/dL may lead to meaningful improvements in time in range and time in tight range without increasing hypoglycemia risk.

The group discusses early clinical experience with these enhancements, including findings from users who transitioned to the updated system. Ly highlights that even a highly engaged population already using lower targets experienced additional improvements, including a 2% increase in time in range and a 5% increase in time in tight range over a short period of use. The conversation emphasizes the importance of making these improvements broadly available rather than waiting for routine follow-up visits, particularly given the potential benefits without additional safety concerns.

The discussion then turns to Omnipod 6, with Ly sharing newly presented clinical trial data evaluating the next-generation system. She describes the study design, which enrolled users already achieving strong glycemic control on Omnipod 5 and assessed whether further intensification through algorithm improvements could safely provide additional benefits. The results demonstrated a 4% improvement in time in range and up to a 7% increase in time in tight range, with particularly notable improvements among individuals with type 1 diabetes aged 14 years and older.

Ly explains that Omnipod 6 builds on previous technology through changes to the core algorithm, allowing the system to deliver more insulin when users do not bolus consistently. The panel explores how this approach may reduce the burden of diabetes management by allowing the algorithm to take on more responsibility while maintaining glycemic control. They discuss the potential psychological benefits of reducing the daily demands placed on people with diabetes, especially as sensor accuracy and automation continue to improve.

The conversation also highlights future opportunities for AID in type 2 diabetes. Ly shares early feasibility data from a fully closed-loop system designed specifically for individuals with type 2 diabetes, emphasizing its simplified approach without requiring traditional pump programming or meal bolusing. In this study, participants experienced improvements in time in range, demonstrating the potential for automated insulin delivery to reach broader populations.

Isaacs and Bellini discuss the need to reconsider barriers to insulin pump adoption in type 2 diabetes and recognize AID as an accessible option for patients who may benefit. Ly emphasizes that technology should support people across different levels of engagement, offering both highly customizable systems for those seeking intensive management and simpler automated approaches for those looking to reduce daily treatment demands.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the future of diabetes technology, including improved connectivity, expanded device flexibility, and continued integration with complementary therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ly underscores that innovation should not only improve clinical outcomes but also reduce the burden of care, allowing people with diabetes to spend less time managing their condition and more time living their lives.

Editors’ Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others. Ly reports a disclosure with Insulet.

References

1. Insulet. Insulet Reveals New Data Supporting Breakthrough Omnipod 6 and Fully Closed-Loop AID Systems Designed to Improve Outcomes, Reduce Effort, and Unlock Barriers to Care. June 6, 2026. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://investors.insulet.com/news/news-details/2026/Insulet-Reveals-New-Data-Supporting-Breakthrough-Omnipod-6-and-Fully-Closed-Loop-AID-Systems-Designed-to-Improve-Outcomes-Reduce-Effort-and-Unlock-Barriers-to-Care/default.aspx