Hi Reader! 👋

Hope you're enjoying summer, and maybe the World Cup too! Here in Boston, there's certainly no shortage of things going on.

A lot has also been happening in the diabetes world lately. Three updates crossed my radar, and I think they're worth sharing. Some may directly affect you or someone you care about. Others are worth bookmarking for a future conversation with your care team.

Let's get into it.

📊 THIS MONTH'S HIGHLIGHTS

Once-weekly insulin is on the horizon

For people with type 2 diabetes who take basal insulin, daily injections have long been the norm. That's about to change. The FDA approved Awiqli (insulin icodec-abae) in March 2026, the first once-weekly basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes. One injection a week instead of seven. For people managing injection fatigue, travel, or unpredictable schedules, that'll be helpful.

It's not on shelves yet, but it's coming. Worth keeping an eye on, and worth bringing up with your care team when the time comes.

One thing to know: because it's a concentrated insulin and stays in your system for a full week, adjustments take longer to take effect. If your activity levels vary a lot day to day, that's a conversation to have with your doctor before making any switch.

Omnipod 5 just got an upgrade

If you or someone you know uses the Omnipod 5 automated insulin delivery system, there's an update rolling out now. As of early June 2026, a new algorithm launched with a lower target glucose option of 100 mg/dL (previously the lowest was 110 mg/dL). That gives you and your provider more room to fine-tune where the system aims. The update also keeps the pump in automated mode more consistently, even during prolonged highs.

New Omnipod 5 users can access the updated pods through ASPN pharmacy. Existing users will see the new pods roll into their refills as retail inventory transitions through the summer.

Also new: Omnipod 5 is now compatible with Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor, so there's more flexibility in which CGM you pair it with.

More oral options for GLP-1 therapy

This is a fast-moving space. In addition to Rybelsus (oral semaglutide, which has been available for type 2 diabetes for a few years), there is now a newer oral GLP-1 on the market: Foundayo (orforglipron), approved by the FDA in April 2026 for obesity management in adults. One key difference: Foundayo can be taken any time of day, without food or water restrictions, which removes some of the logistical hurdles that made older oral options harder to use consistently.

A couple of things worth knowing if you or your provider are considering it:

If you take simvastatin, flag that before starting Foundayo. Orforglipron significantly increases simvastatin levels in the body, and spacing out the doses doesn't change that. The recommendation is to limit simvastatin to no more than 20 mg per day. Rosuvastatin and atorvastatin don't have the same issue, so those may be worth discussing with your doctor as alternatives.

And if you're on a GLP-1, or planning to start one, working with a dietitian is a good idea. These medications can reduce appetite significantly, and adequate nutrition matters more than ever when your intake drops. I can help with that!​

🙋🏻‍♀️ YOU ASK, I ANSWER

Since we're on the topic of statins, here's a question I received recently from a client:

"Why am I on a statin if my cholesterol is normal?"

The short answer: having diabetes means your cardiovascular risk is already elevated, even when your cholesterol numbers look fine.

Both the ADA 2026 Standards of Care and the new 2026 ACC/AHA dyslipidemia guidelines recommend statin therapy for people with diabetes between the ages of 40 and 75 for heart disease prevention, regardless of cholesterol level. It's not about your cholesterol being high. It's about protecting your heart before a problem starts.

If you're unsure why you're on a particular medication, it's always worth asking your care team.

✅ ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAY

Pull up your medication list this month and ask yourself: do I know why I'm taking each one?

Some medications interact with certain foods (simvastatin and grapefruit, for example). Others affect how your body absorbs key nutrients. If you haven't had a chance to connect with a dietitian in the past year, now is a good time to do that.

🤝 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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📚 New to our newsletter? Catch up on previous issues and explore our archive here.

👋 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​
​Diabetes Dietitian & Diabetes Care Specialist (RDN, CDCES)
​
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