Hey 👋 Reader!
I just came back from the Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE). I always enjoy it, because I get to learn what’s new in the market.
This year, we heard from Dr. Jessica Knurick, a registered dietitian with a big voice on social media. I have been quiet on social media for a while. She encouraged me to be a voice for Asian Americans with diabetes, so I will try to be more active there. (Follow me if you can!)
Now, on to this month’s news. Two pieces of diabetes technology news came out, and I want to share them with you.
🔍 Can a CGM Help If You Have Type 2 Diabetes and Don’t Take Insulin?
It can! If you have used a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) without insulin, you have probably seen how much it has helped you. Historically, most of the research was done in people who use insulin. This new study is exciting because it shows what you and I have been seeing in day-to-day life.
In the CONNECT trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, adults with type 2 diabetes who did not take insulin lowered their A1C by about 0.9% more with a CGM than with usual care over six months. They also spent roughly five more hours a day in their target range. (The study was funded by Dexcom, which makes the sensor used, so it’s worth knowing.)
In my own work, I have seen people with prediabetes benefit too! A CGM is one of the tools I often encourage. It shows how your daily choices affect your blood sugar, so we can adjust the plan together. Not everyone is a fit, but it helps many. If you aren’t seeing the results you want, let’s talk, and we can figure out which plan works best for you.
💉 Another Pump Option for Type 2 Diabetes
The FDA cleared another pump this month. It’s called Twiist, and it’s for adults with type 2 diabetes who take insulin.
Twiist is an automated insulin delivery (AID) system, which is a pump connected to a CGM. It adjusts insulin in the background to match the natural ups and downs of blood sugar through the day. Each system has its own algorithm, and the choice is personal. If you’re thinking about a pump, message me, and we can find a time to talk more.
🎁 Something Is Brewing! (And a Free Consultation!)
As you know, I have been helping Asian Americans lower their blood sugar for over 15 years.
If you have worked with me or been here a while, you have noticed that I look beyond your numbers and your food. I ask about your activity, sleep and stress too, because they all affect your blood sugar.
I have seen how this whole-person approach helps. So I am putting together a more structured program to help you build a personalized strategy to manage your diabetes.
I’m opening 10 free 30-minute consultations through the end of November. We’ll look at where you are with your blood sugar, what’s getting in the way, and what could help.
If you are interested, reply to this email and let me know. And if you can think of anyone who may benefit from a free consultation, share it with them.
🙋🏻♀️ YOU ASK, I ANSWER
Have a question? Reply to this email with it. I may feature it in a future newsletter.
🤝 Ready to Work Together?
If you're managing diabetes or weight and want to make sure your nutrition is truly working for you — not just your numbers — I'd love to help. I accept insurance and see clients virtually and in person in Massachusetts.
👉 Fill out my intake form here and we'll go from there.
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👋 About Karen
I'm Karen Lau, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience at a major medical institution, helping Asian Americans manage diabetes while honoring their cultural traditions. I work with clients virtually and in person in Massachusetts, and I do accept insurance. Ready to get started? Fill out my intake form here and we'll take it from there.
Note: This content is for general knowledge and educational purposes only, not medical advice. While this guide follows current medical guidelines, always consult your healthcare team for personalized recommendations and advice specific to your situation. This newsletter was authored by me, with my professional expertise, clinical experience, and original ideas forming the foundation of the content. Claude, an AI assistant from Anthropic, helped organize and expand my thoughts into this comprehensive newsletter while maintaining my voice and professional perspective.
To your health—body, mind, and heritage,
Karen
Advanced Diabetes Dietitian & Care Specialist (RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES)
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