What the Latest Trial Results Tell Us
The 2026 Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association offered a clear picture of where the field is heading. One of the most talked-about findings came from the STRIVE randomized trial, which tested a next-generation algorithm for the Omnipod automated insulin delivery system in adults with type 2 diabetes. Across 34 participants, the new algorithm delivered a meaningful boost in time spent in the tight glucose range, with no severe hypoglycemia reported. That matters because type 2 patients often respond differently to automated systems than type 1 patients, and researchers are finally building evidence for them specifically.
Another standout was the Dexcom CONNECT study, billed by the company as the most significant trial yet showing continuous glucose monitoring benefits for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin. Participants wearing the Dexcom G7 saw clinically meaningful reductions in A1C compared with those using routine self-monitoring. The results point toward CGM becoming a more standard part of care for non-insulin users, which could change how many Americans track their glucose day to day.
Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Chicago presented early work on a drug called Tegoprubart for islet transplantation. In a small group of 12 patients with type 1 diabetes, all restored their ability to produce insulin and stopped external insulin entirely, with stable A1C near healthy levels and none of the severe side effects tied to traditional immunosuppressants. It is a small, early study, but it hints that a functional cure may be closer than many assumed.
Comparing the Options Being Studied
Not every trial suits every patient. The table below lays out some of the recent studies and what they involve.
| Trial / Study | Focus | Who It Targets | Key Finding | What It Offers |
|---|
| STRIVE (Omnipod) | Automated insulin delivery algorithm | Adults with type 2 diabetes | Improved time in tight glucose range | Smarter insulin dosing with less manual effort |
| Dexcom CONNECT | Continuous glucose monitoring | Type 2 patients not on insulin | Significant A1C reduction | Real-time glucose data without fingersticks |
| Tegoprubart + islet transplant | Transplant rejection therapy | Type 1 patients | Restored insulin production | Potential path to functional cure |
| Orforglipron (ACHIEVE) | Oral GLP-1 medication | Type 2 patients | Stronger glucose and weight control | Pill-based option without injection |
The Orforglipron results, also unveiled at the conference, deserve attention because they come from the ACHIEVE phase 3 series. This small-molecule oral GLP-1 outperformed both an SGLT2 inhibitor and oral semaglutide on glucose and weight reduction after a year, with A1C dropping more than a full point in the comparison group. Because it is not a peptide, it does not carry the same food and water restrictions that make some oral GLP-1s awkward, and it is cheaper to produce. For Americans who dread daily injections, this could be a genuine shift in convenience.
What Joining a Trial Actually Looks Like
If you are curious about participating, the process is more straightforward than many people expect. Sites like Miami Clinical Research recruit adults 18 and older with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, typically with an A1C between 7.0 and 10.5 percent, who are already using oral medications, insulin, or lifestyle management. Each study has its own inclusion and exclusion criteria, reviewed during a screening visit. Participants usually get regular checkups, lab work, and support from a dedicated team, with no out-of-pocket costs tied to the study itself.
A practical example: NYU Langone Hospital is enrolling patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who are new to insulin upon hospital discharge. Participants are randomly assigned to wear a continuous glucose monitor for two weeks or use traditional blood glucose monitoring, then return for a follow-up visit. Studies like this one show how research is woven into real clinical care rather than confined to a lab.
For anyone considering enrollment, the steps are simple. Start by searching ClinicalTrials.gov for studies near you, since many trials list their locations and contact details directly. Bring a list of your current medications and your recent A1C readings to the screening. Ask about the time commitment, travel requirements, and whether the study covers your glucose supplies. It also helps to talk with your regular doctor before signing up, since they can weigh in on how participation fits with your existing care plan.
Finding the Right Fit Across the Country
Research opportunities are not limited to big coastal cities. Academic medical centers in places like Minneapolis, Denver, San Antonio, and Detroit were all involved in the STRIVE trial, reflecting a push to enroll diverse populations across regions. Some studies offer bilingual support teams and flexible scheduling, which can make a real difference for patients balancing work and family. When you look for a trial, check whether the site serves your area and what logistics look like on the ground, because showing up consistently is part of the commitment.
It is worth being realistic about expectations. A continuous glucose monitor is a tool, not a cure; it does not alter the disease itself, just how precisely you manage it. Islet transplantation remains an invasive procedure requiring donor organs, and oral GLP-1s work only while you keep taking them. These are meaningful advances in control and quality of life, but they are steps along a path rather than the final destination.
Taking the Next Step
The direction of diabetes research in the US is encouraging, and the trials covered here reflect real momentum across automated insulin delivery, continuous monitoring, transplantation, and new oral medications. If you are managing diabetes yourself or supporting someone who is, staying informed about these studies can open doors to care that did not exist a few years ago. Ask your care team whether any trials match your profile, and keep an eye on ClinicalTrials.gov as new studies open. Your participation does not just help you, it helps shape the standard of care for the millions of Americans who will face this condition in the years ahead.
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