Tandem Diabetes Care is excited to welcome Laurel Messer, PhD, MPH, RN, CDCES as Senior Director to our Behavioral Sciences team. An esteemed expert within the diabetes industry, Dr. Messer will publish research and provide strategic insights that inform the future of product development and maintain a level of excellence.
“One of the key reasons I’m joining Tandem is to transform diabetes care by partnering with people who can make a difference,” Dr. Messer said. “I’ve watched Tandem grow into a market leader for diabetes technology and am excited to be a part of growing that legacy and brand.”
Dr. Messer previously served on the faculty at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. During that time, she was a research investigator and clinical educator for more than 100 diabetes technology trials evaluating continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. Dr. Messer has authored more than 70 publications related to diabetes and she regularly lectures on diabetes technology.
“We are thrilled Dr. Messer is a full-time member of the Tandem organization,” said Steph Habif, Vice President of Behavioral Sciences. “As a biobehavioral scientist and thought leader, she will play a key role in shaping how we practice research and clinical behavior design to maximize the utility and ease of use of automated insulin delivery systems.
Dr. Laurel Messer speaking at a Tandem employee conference in 2023.
Behavioral Research Guiding the Future of Diabetes Care
“Early in my career, I fell in love with research,” Dr. Messer said. “I was hired by a well-known pediatric diabetes specialist, Dr. Peter Chase, to be his research nurse. I found myself immersed in the world of diabetes and I saw firsthand how diabetes technology can improve the lives of families dealing with all the relentless tasks associated with diabetes.”
Dr. Messer then pursued a master’s degree in public health and a PhD to explore the impact of diabetes technology on people living with T1D.
“There are so many studies that focus on glycemic outcomes. I wanted to start asking questions about how humans were using the technology,” Dr. Messer said. “What led them to use these devices, what do they consider to be most useful to their diabetes care, and how can technology make that easier?”
Tandem was the first to change the insulin pump market in 20 years — it was unprecedented.Dr. Laurel Messer
“I think a lot about how people with diabetes are currently using Control-IQ technology and other products from Tandem,” Dr. Messer said. “Then, I think about what future persons with diabetes will want and need from future Tandem technologies."
Dr. Messer (right) working with the Tandem team.
Where Science Meets Trust
Dr. Messer believes Tandem was the first to change the insulin pump market in unprecedented ways.
“I very much believe in Tandem technology and products,” Dr. Messer said. “There was a ‘before’ and ‘after’ Tandem Diabetes Care.”
She recalled the moment when Basal-IQ technology was cleared — while boarding a flight along with dozens of diabetes professionals for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Conference in 2018.
“I heard someone behind me gasp, ‘Basal-IQ technology was just cleared!’” she said. “I was traveling to ADA, and it went all the way to the back of the plane, and it was a special moment we all experienced together.”
At the same conference, Dr. Messer was asked what she thought about Basal-IQ technology.
“I said, ‘This is really a game-changer,’ and I was thinking about the form factor and the … higher satisfaction, and it turned out to be true.”
It’s this trust in Tandem that encouraged Dr. Messer to join the team. She appreciates the transparency she’s experienced with the company.
“There’s amazing talent already at Tandem doing things to build trust,” Dr. Messer added. “I’m proud to now be a part of furthering that work.”
Dr. Messer experiencing life outside of work.
Shifting Frames of Mind
Dr. Messer encourages healthcare practitioners and providers to think differently, especially those who may be hesitant to recommend a pump with automated insulin delivery.
“The ADA guidelines now state that AID can essentially be the standard of care for people living with type 1 diabetes,” Dr. Messer said. “Research has shown over and over that AID offers increased glycemic control, high satisfaction, and use from a variety of different populations.
“I think there’s an important frame shift right now where providers need to go from asking, ‘Who might be a good candidate?’ to ‘Is there a reason this person wouldn’t be a good candidate?’”
Dr. Messer is based in Denver, Colo. She has two sons, a physician husband, and a rotund dog welcomed into their home during COVID.
We are beyond excited for Dr. Messer to join our team as we work together to create more game-changing moments within the diabetes industry.
Note: From time to time, we may pass along suggestions, tips, or information about other Tandem insulin pump user experiences or approaches to the management of diabetes. Please note, however, individual symptoms, situations, circumstances, and results may vary. Please consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. Please read the Important Safety Information before using a Tandem Diabetes Care product.
