Wednesday Focus Groups and Product Theaters
Wednesday is for focus groups and product theaters. To help you plan your day, we've listed Wednesday's sessions below. Some focus groups require pre-registration. Use the links provided to sign up.
9:00 - 10:00 am
Beta Bionics Hands-On Pump Usability Sessions
Beta Bionics is seeking volunteers to participate in a study for an upcoming T1D Product. This is an exciting opportunity to see and go hands-on with an insulin pump and learn more about the product design and its usability. At the end of the session, we’ll ask for your feedback and experience.
Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card for completing the session.
Coronado G
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Personal stories from the Bionic Universe: Reducing diabetes burnout and achieving better results with the iLet.
Join us as iLet users and their parents discuss the mental load of living with diabetes and how the iLet helps them achieve better results with less work.
*individual results may vary.
Coronado ST
9:00 - 10:00 am
A T1D Student's Guide to Navigating School Life: Meet 17-year-old Sam and his Mom
This practical session is designed to help parents and kids better advocate for support at school. In addition to Sam and his Mom, you will hear from Margaret Pellizzari, RN, CDCES on existing resources and opportunities to strengthen support for families navigating T1D at school.
Participants will receive a $25 Disney or Universal gift card and a voucher for a special gift (limited quantity) to be claimed at the MannKind exhibit booth.
About MannKind at Friends for Life
MannKind is proud to be part of the Friends for Life community! We’re here to support people living with diabetes—and to spark conversations about what’s possible. Visit our booth to meet our team, learn more about MannKind innovative diabetes treatment options for adults, and pick up some fun giveaways.
Durango 1
9:00 - 10:00 am
Behind the Breakthroughs: Real Stories from T1D Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are a critical step on the path to cures for type 1 diabetes — we can’t get there without them. Join Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, Ph.D., APRN, CDCES, and the Holsinger family for a fun and engaging conversation about the importance of clinical trials in T1D research. Dr. Albanese-O’Neill brings the dual perspective of a clinician who has led and recruited for trials, and a mom whose two children have participated in them. The Holsingers will share their experiences taking part in a wide range of trials, from screening for early detection of T1D to emerging therapies. Learn why boosting enrollment is a top priority for Breakthrough T1D, what it's really like to be part of a trial, and how to find opportunities that may be right for you or your family.
Durango 2
9:00 - 10:00 am
Carbie: Simplifying Carb Counting with AI
Join us for a live demo of Carbie, the AI-powered carb-counting app designed for people with diabetes. Inspired by a T1D family journey, Carbie lets users simply snap a photo of their meal to instantly estimate carbs, calories, fat, and protein, making everyday food choices easier, smarter, and less stressful. We’re also working on exciting new features to make diabetes management even more intuitive and personalized. Discover how technology can empower families, caregivers, and individuals with diabetes to take control of their nutrition with confidence.
Coronado QR
9:00 - 10:00 am
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
In Your Superhero’s Shoes
Calling All Parents and Loved Ones of a Superhero!
We’re inviting you to participate in a special Dexcom focus group created specifically for parents and loved ones of individuals living with diabetes. As part of this program, you’ll have the opportunity to wear Stelo by Dexcom—a glucose biosensor that provides glucose readings every 15 minutes. By experiencing the technology firsthand, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how lifestyle choices can impact glucose levels.
Learn more and Register Today. To ensure a meaningful experience, registration will be capped at 40 participants.
Stelo is for adults 18 years and older not on insulin
STELO SAFETY INFORMATION: For full information on risks and benefits, visit stelo.com
Coronado QR
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Podder® Meetup Social Hour
You’re invited for an hour of coffee, snacks and connection with the T1D community. Join Omnipod employees, content creators, caregivers, and users to network, ask questions and mingle.
Coronado ST
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tandem Diabetes Care Focus Group
Calling young people living with diabetes, ages 6-17, and their caregivers. Tandem wants to hear from you! Participate in a focus group to help shape future product offerings from Tandem.
Coronado M
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Parent Perspective: Shaping the Future of Diabetes Connections
Join us for an engaging conversation where your voice shapes the future of diabetes community programming. We want to hear from you—what kinds of events and support do families really want beyond summer camp? Whether it's weekend retreats, family getaways, summer camps, or support for teens and adults, your insights will help create more meaningful, accessible experiences for all.
Coronado N
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Full Throttle: Meet an INDYCAR driver living with T1D
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Conor Daly, professional INDYCAR driver, media personality, and person living with Type 1 diabetes. Conor will share how he has faced—and overcome—unique challenges as a competitive athlete with T1D, from managing blood sugars to staying mentally tough on and off the track. Learn how he navigates setbacks, balances risk and control, and finds the strength to live life in the fast lane with diabetes
Participants will receive a $25 Disney or Universal gift card and can register for a raffle for a custom autographed diecast race car (quantities limited) to be claimed at the MannKind exhibit booth.
About MannKind at Friends for Life
MannKind is proud to be part of the Friends for Life community! We’re here to support people living with diabetes—and to spark conversations about what’s possible. Visit our booth to meet our team, learn more about MannKind innovative diabetes treatment options for adults, and pick up some fun giveaways.
Durango 1
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Show & Tell: FreeStyle Libre Plus sensors and Connected Pump Partners
Susanna Robinson, CDCES, PharmD, and our pump partner panel share their personal experiences using FreeStyle Libre Plus sensors with compatible pumps.
About Susanna:
Susanna was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1977. She has been a pharmacist and diabetes educator for 35 years. Her career and volunteer services have been devoted to helping people with diabetes. She participated in numerous diabetes clinical studies which allowed her to have early access to insulin pumps and CGM. Wearing a pump that is integrated with CGM has made her journey with diabetes easier. She is extremely grateful to the many diabetes experts and therapy advancements that have enabled her to achieve quality of life with diabetes. She is a proud wife and mother of two sons along with a daughter-in-law. She currently serves as the East Regional Director for the US Medical Science Liaison team at Abbott Diabetes Care. Susanna has served on the Board of Directors for the American Diabetes Association at the state and national level and is a past Chairperson of the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators. She served as the coordinator for several Youth Services programs along with many camp and family programs.
Durango 2
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Uncovering Your T1D Superhero Toolkit with Robin Arzón
Fireside chat and mood boarding activity with Peloton's Vice President of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor
You won’t want to miss our fireside chat with Peloton’s own Robin Arzón, followed by wellness mood boarding. Robin will share her own T1D diagnosis story and introduce you to a tool she didn’t have access to: TZIELD. TZIELD is a prescription medicine used delay the onset of Stage 3 type 1 diabetes (T1D) in people 8 years and older with Stage 2 T1D.
Monterrey 1
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Become a “Companion App Influencer” and lead the way in redefining wearable diabetes tech with the twiist Team for people with diabetes (PWD) and their caregivers
Are you a loved one, parent, and/or caregiver of a child or teen PWD using an Automated Insulin Delivery system? We want to hear from you!
We’re looking for real stories about what visibility caregivers/parents/others would like to see in a companion/follower app for their loved ones AID system. Which notifications and alerts or other things do you feel are important to you? Your insights could help shape the future of diabetes technology.
Visit twiist.com/safety for important safety information.
Coronado J
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Rise of the Glucose Guardians: Diabetes Life Hacks from Your Dexcom Friends for Life
This program aims to deliver the latest updates and information for Dexcom's portfolio. Additionally, practical diabetes tips will be shared from the viewpoints of healthcare providers who live with diabetes, individuals with diabetes, and caregivers impacted by diabetes. Whether you are the person living with diabetes or the person supporting someone living with diabetes, this session will offer practical strategies to help balance glucose and life with diabetes.
Key Highlights:
Dexcom G7: highlighting new feature updates, latest integrations and tips on how to personalize care to promote improvements in health and quality of life
Stelo*: An overview highlighting features and considerations in health.
Coronado QR
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Omnipod® Focus Group
Help us better understand your unique needs as parents and/or caregivers of children living with diabetes and what you – and they – are looking for to simplify life with diabetes. Participants do not need to be current Omnipod users. This focus group is a private event and requires pre-registration.
Coronado ST
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Tandem Diabetes Care Focus Group
Calling young people living with diabetes, ages 6-17, and their caregivers. Tandem wants to hear from you! Participate in a focus group to help shape future product offerings from Tandem.
Coronado M
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Vasoterapia Interactive Card Game for Caregivers and Family Members
Have you ever had an open, honest, and safe conversation with others who care for someone with T1D? Join fellow caregivers and family members for a guided card game designed to spark meaningful dialogue, connection, and empathy in a safe, judgment-free space. Share stories, lessons, and support with people who genuinely understand. All attendees will go home with their own card game! Brought to you by Lilly.
Coronado N
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Rising Above Diabetes Stigma
Influencer Lexie and Coach Gibran shine a light on childhood diabetes -- and how kids can gain the confidence to navigate their diagnosis.
Lexie Peterson is a content creator living with type 1 diabetes from Arlington, Texas and works in Corporate Social Responsibility at American Airlines. When not at work, she enjoys traveling, painting, karaoke, playing games and napping. Lexie is excited to be at CWD sharing her story because it sounded like a version of her childhood diabetes camp that “adult” Lexie needed which is to be surrounded by a community of others like her who can understand and relate to her experiences with type 1 diabetes. As a kid, she attended a diabetes summer camp and it was the best thing she could have done. It was her first time being surrounded by others with type 1 and feeling “normal”. Now, Lexie connects with others living with type one online or at events like this! You can connect with Lexie on Instagram as @thedivabetic.
Gibran Juarez is a physical education teacher and soccer coach based in Arlington, Texas. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, he developed a passion for sports, especially soccer. For hobbies during his free time, he enjoys staying active in CrossFit, playing in a men's soccer league, eating street tacos, making social media diabetes Reels, family quality time, and reading self-development books. With a background in Nutrition Wellness, he enjoys teaching his students the importance of fitness, fun games, nutrition, and positive expectations. He is excited to be at CWD to see and listen to the amazing stories that will be taking place. He is also thrilled to make new friends and create new memories as we rise together.
Durango 2
1:30 - 2:30 pm
“Mom Talk”: The Human Experience of TZIELD
Lauren Bongiorno hosts panel with TZIELD patient and caregiver who are both moms. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear from TZIELD Ambassadors about their journey with screening for T1D autoantibodies and ultimately choosing to infuse with TZIELD. TZIELD is a prescription medicine used delay the onset of Stage 3 type 1 diabetes (T1D) in people 8 years and older with Stage 2 T1D.
Monterrey 1
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Help shape the future of diabetes tech with The twiist™ Team!
Are you currently using an insulin pump, CGM, automated insulin delivery system or thinking about it?
We’re inviting people living with type 1 diabetes (or caregivers of children with T1D) to join a focus group and share your thoughts. This is your chance to influence how our system is introduced, what features matter most, and how we speak to the community.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy DIY Looper, an MDI user considering a pump, or someone loyal to their current device, we want to hear from you.
Visit twiist.com/safety for important safety information.
Coronado J
1:30 - 2:30 pm
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Be Prepared With BAQSIMI. Now for ages 1 year and above!
If your child is on insulin, you and the people they count on need to be prepared for a low blood sugar emergency— BAQSIMI is a dry nasal spray that can be used by those around your child to help them in a low blood sugar emergency. Low blood sugar emergencies can be unpredictable, but BAQSIMI can help you and your child be prepared. Please join us to learn more about being prepared with BAQSIMI, the #1 prescribed glucagon in the US, now for ages 1 year and above. For indications and usage and important safety information, please visit www.baqsimi.com.
Coronado QR
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Choosing Omnipod® 5: Panel Moderated by Justin Eastzer aka @diabe_tech
Discover why Omnipod 5 is the leading choice for automated insulin delivery. This panel, moderated by a community leader, will delve into the reasons behind its popularity and effectiveness.
Omnipod 5 stands out as the #1 requested and #1 prescribed automated insulin delivery system, offering unmatched tubeless freedom. Hear perspectives from healthcare professionals, caregivers, and users who depend on Omnipod to manage type 1 diabetes. They will share their experiences and perspectives, offering a comprehensive look at how Omnipod technology is making a difference in their lives.
From practical tips to inspiring user stories and even a glimpse into future innovations, this event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the power of Omnipod technology.
Coronado ST
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Diabetes Info that Hits Different. Text it Scroll it. Make it make sense.
If you’re a young adult living with diabetes, we want to hear from you. How do you actually want diabetes health info — texts? TikToks? Memes? Something your doctor wouldn’t even think of?
Join a laid-back focus group with other young adults to help us redesign how diabetes info is shared. No judgments, no lectures — just real talk that could actually make things better.
Coronado M
3:30 - 4:30
Cell Therapy Focus Group: Adults living with T1D
Vertex is seeking adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who have experienced severe hypoglycemic events to share their understanding and perspectives on cell therapies—including the factors that influence their treatment decisions.
Coronado N
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Beyond the Cape: Max’s Hero Journey with the MiniMed™ 780G system
Meet Max Rapson, the real-life inspiration behind Captain Lantus, a superhero who gains his powers through an insulin pump! Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 18 months, Max now confidently manages it at age 11 with the MiniMed™ 780G system. Together with his dad, Gary, they’ll share the inspiration for their children’s book and how the system helps Max just be a kid—with diabetes in the background. Dr. Jennifer McVean, pediatric endocrinologist and Medical Affairs Director at Medtronic, joins the conversation. Don’t miss your chance to get a Disney giveaway and free copy of the book!
No registration required – open to all.
Durango 1
3:30 - 4:30 pm
A Mission at 35,000 Feet: Managing a Mid-Flight Diabetes Emergency with Ready-To- Use Glucagon
Join Xeris Pharmaceuticals® and Leigh Fickling, Chief Operating Officer of Children with Diabetes® as she shares her powerful firsthand experience of administering Ready-To-Use Glucagon to treat her daughter’s severe low blood sugar emergency mid-flight. Learn essential tips for treating very low blood sugar and emergency preparedness while traveling.
Durango 2
3:30 - 4:30
Voices of the Community: The SuperPower of T1D Screening
Join us during our interactive panel “The SuperPower of T1D Screening” with Mary Williams, Chad Muma, Cara/Brody Van Brocklin, and a Sanofi Screening Ambassador. You won’t want to miss the chance to learn about why screening for T1D autoantibodies can be a superpower.
Monterrey 1
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Game On: A New twiist™ in Diabetes Management
Join us for a high-energy game show experience that brings a fresh, fun spin to automated insulin delivery. Explore how bold innovation and next-level tech are reshaping what’s possible for people living with type 1 diabetes. It’s time to change the game with twiist.
Please visit twiist.com/safety for important safety information.
Coronado J
3:30 - 4:30 pm