Your Subscriber Newsletter
AUTUMN 2026
Hi there
Welcome to the Autumn edition of Libre Life, keeping you in the loop with the latest CGM, medtech and diabetes news.
Where is diabetes technology heading, and how much say do PWD have in its future? This edition explores new developments, changing business priorities and the questions being raised by our community.
Several medtech companies have been restructuring in 2026. Novo Nordisk has rebranded as Novo, MiniMed has completed its spin-off from Medtronic, and Ypsomed has sold its diabetes care business. Abbott plans to separate its nutrition business, while Dexcom’s earlier purchase of Nutrisense points towards expansion beyond diabetes care.
Following the backlash to Dexcom’s Ts&Cs update, we’re also asking whether AI should be used in medtech. Have your say in our poll, and we’ll share the results in the next newsletter. In the meantime, enjoy catching up with the latest news.
Samantha
Editor, Libre Life & T1D
Read about the billionaire behind the donation & the strings attached
From Redrow's cladding and fire-safety controversies to Conservative Party donations, discover the billionaire behind the £50 million search for a type 1 diabetes cure — and the strings attached to his gift.
Diabetes UK received £43.8 million in 2025, but only 6½p in every £1 was committed to new research from its core funds. We look at where the rest goes, who sets the priorities, how much influence ordinary fundraisers really have, and why major funders can negotiate very different terms.
News Updates
DEXCOM
Dexcom is the subject of a backlash by users after introducing new Ts&Cs that take away many rights whilst blocking users from seeing their glucose levels.
NOVO
Novo Nordisk is adopting the shorter name ‘Novo’ as part of a global rebrand, changing its focus to compete in the wider consumer-driven healthcare market.
GIVE YOUR OPINION WITH OUR POLL
Click the button below to submit your answer.
Latest Diabetes News
TYPE 1 DIABETES
Adding protein to breakfast could reduce glucose spikes
University of Stirling research has found that adding 10g of protein to breakfast could give children with type 1 diabetes an extra 32 minutes in range.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
UPDATE: The MHRA has now authorised once-weekly Onswik (insulin efsitora alfa), developed by Eli Lilly, for use in adults with type 2 diabetes.
NOTICE
Levemir insulin is being discontinued from end December 2026 in the UK.
A patient safety alert has been issued as a reminder that the long-acting insulin, Levemir, is being discontinued by Novo Nordisk. If you're still using Levemir, you're advised to contact your diabetes team or GP now to arrange a switch to an alternative insulin before the end of November.
EVENTS
November's Diabetes Awareness Month
& World Diabetes Day 14 November 2026
Discover what it's all about and how you can get involved
World Diabetes Day takes place on 14th November. Find out why we celebrate it, what's happening in 2026 and how PWD, families and carers can get involved, including activities organised by diabetes technology companies.
NEW DATA
NHS England
Diabetes CGM Use & Spending
New NHS data published on 20th August reveals the dominance of FreeStyle Libre prescribed, predominantly to type 1s, in England for 2025/26 and the huge cost!
- 452,138 NHS FreeStyle Libre users, around 9 million sensors a year and £341 million in NHS spending
- FreeStyle Libre accounts for around 94% of NHS CGM spending
- 39,041 NHS Dexcom users, equating to around 950,000 sensors a year and £22 million of NHS spending
- NHS spending on FreeStyle Libre is more than 15 times higher than on Dexcom
- CGMs account for around 5% of diabetes prescription items but 16% of the cost
In less than a decade, NHS-funded prescriptions have effectively created Abbott’s mass CGM market in the UK.
Notes:
NHS data published 20 August 2026.
NHS England, 2025/26 prescribing data; sensor volume estimated from NHS expenditure and Drug Tariff prices.