diaTribe's Best Articles of 2021

Over the past year, diaTribe has continued to work towards our goal to create and publish helpful information to improve the lives of people with diabetes. From vaccine rollout to new medications and the latest in diabetes tech, read our 10 most popular articles from 2021. 

2021 has been an eventful year in the world of diabetes, and diaTribe is thrilled to be able to continue spreading helpful information and exciting news to people with diabetes around the globe. Our community has grown to more than 325,000 weekly subscribers and 3.5 million website visitors. Reflecting on the advancements in diabetes technology, new medications, the implications of COVID-19 and much more, we’re announcing our top 10 articles – plus a few honorable mentions – from 2021. We encourage you to share this list with friends, family, or anyone else who might benefit from it.

Honorable mention: Detecting the Signs: Hyperglycemia vs. Hypoglycemia

Read this informative article on how you can detect both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia early on to prevent serious symptoms. Knowing these helpful tips could help keep you and your loved ones safe. 

Honorable mention: Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring: Hope or Hype?

Tired of constantly pricking your fingers or inserting CGMs? We took a look at the current landscape and potential innovations surrounding non-invasive glucose monitoring. What might the future of glucose monitoring look like?

Honorable mention: Eating Fruit with Diabetes

Even though fruits are full of healthy vitamins and minerals, they can also raise your blood glucose levels. Are there certain fruits that are best for people with diabetes? 

Honorable mention: Walking a Tightrope – Dealing With the Highs and Lows

Hear a personal story from Julie Heverly about the steps she took to balance between very high and very low blood glucose levels and how a continuous glucose monitor helped her along the way.  

Honorable mention: Navigating the ‘Food Police’

As the holidays come around and you meet with friends and family, misguided questions, such as "can you eat that?" can feel infuriating. Learn about techniques you can use to address misconceptions without getting defensive. 

10. Protein and Diabetes: What You Need to Know

What is protein, how much do you need, and where can you get it? Learn about these topics and more in this deep dive of protein. 

9. Breaking News on Tirzepatide – the Most Buzzworthy Drug in Development

While many promising medications for type 2 diabetes were introduced this year, Tirzepatide stood out for its ability to combine the activity of two types of drugs into a once-weekly injectable medication. This new glucose-lowering therapy is called a “dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist.”

8. Clinical Trial Tests Stem Cell Therapy to Cure People with Type 1 Diabetes

This exciting new clinical trial hopes to utilize stem cell therapy to replace the insulin producing cells in your body, effectively “curing” type 1 diabetes. The trial is still recruiting, so read to see if you are interested and eligible! 

7. A New Kind of Blood Glucose Monitor | POGO Automatic Meter

In this more recent article, our team took a look at the new POGO Automatic blood glucose meter. Could this new device eliminate the need for lancets and test strips, streamlining the way you check your blood glucose? 

6. FDA Approval of Omnipod 5 Looks More Promising with Impressive Trial Results

At EASD 2021, we heard experts discuss the latest clinical trial data published for the Omnipod 5. Read more about how the Omnipod 5 improved A1C, Time in Range (TIR), and hypoglycemia. 

5. Tech on the Horizon: Where Will Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) be in 2021?

For an interesting retrospective look at the progress in diabetes tech over the last year, check out this piece from January, looking ahead at 2021 regarding advancements in automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. Did expectations match reality?

4. Diabetes Drug Ozempic Approved for Weight Loss

In a groundbreaking move this past June the FDA approved Ozempic, a once-weekly injection of the GLP-1 drug semaglutide, as a treatment for weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic not only led to dramatic improvements in weight loss, but has also been indicated to reduce the risk of serious heart problems such as heart attack or stroke. 

3. Insulin at 100: An Inspirational but Complicated History

Earlier this year marked the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin as a treatment for diabetes. First isolated in 1921 in a Canadian laboratory from the pancreas of a dog, explore the fascinating history of this miracle drug.

2. High Blood Sugar at Night: What to Do

From National Sleep Awareness Week back in March, this article explores why you may be experiencing high blood sugar levels at night, with strategies to manage both your glucose levels and your sleep. Read about the symptoms of high blood sugar at night, why it occurs, how to stabilize your levels, and much more.

1. What You Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccines and Diabetes

In our most read article of 2021, we answer the many questions that people with diabetes may have about the safety, effectiveness, and how to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Over the past year, we have seen the initial vaccine rollout, changes in mask mandates, several COVID-19 variants, and the availability of booster shots. With the end of the pandemic seemingly within our reach, we revisit this information as a reminder of the importance of getting your vaccine and keeping yourself and your community safe.

About the authors

Arvind Sommi

Arvind Sommi joined the diaTribe Foundation in 2021 after graduating with Phi Beta Kappa and honors from the University of Florida where he majored in Biology and minored in Sociology.... Read the full bio »

Andrew Briskin

Drew Briskin joined the diaTribe Foundation in 2021 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in Health and Societies with a minor in Chemistry. As an undergraduate,... Read the full bio »