What’s Actually Being Studied In Diabetes Research + How To Get Involved

When you hear the words “diabetes research,” you might picture a scientist in a white lab coat, working hard to discover a cure. And yes, while that exciting research is happening, “diabetes research” is actually so much bigger than that. 

Right now, researchers are testing smarter devices, faster insulin formulations, ways to delay and even prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D), behavioral health interventions, new digital tools and entirely new ways and approaches to treating and managing both diabetes and obesity. Most importantly, people living with diabetes aren’t just subjects of this research—we are partners moving the work forward. 

Here’s what’s being tested in diabetes research right now, and what participating in a clinical study can look like. 

What new obesity and diabetes medications are being tested?

Structure Therapeutics is studying aleniglipron, a daily oral GLP-1 medication, in two ongoing, phase 3 clinical studies: 

• ACCOMPLISH-1 is looking at whether aleniglipron can safely produce and maintain meaningful weight loss over the longer term. The study is enrolling people who are living with overweight or obesity and who have at least one weight-related health condition. 
• ACCOMPLISH-2 is studying whether this same medication can be effective for weight loss in people who are living with overweight or obesity who also have type 2 diabetes (T2D). 

These phase 3 studies build on Structure Therapeautics’ success earlier this year, from its phase 2b ACCESS study of aleniglipron for the treatment of obesity and/or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition. 

The ACCESS study results were one of the highest seen from an oral GLP-1 medication yet, which is incredible news. If aleniglipron continues to perform well in clinical studies, it could mean more non-injectable GLP-1 options down the road—which may also be helpful for people who have struggled with adverse side effects from injectable GLP-1 medications in the past. 

Can diabetes tech work through your primary care provider?

Automated insulin delivery has come a long way, but researchers are still asking an important question: can these systems work for more people in more real-world settings? 

• The PREPARE 4 AID is a University of Colorado study that is now recruiting adults with insulin-treated type 1 or type 2 diabetes. 

The study is testing if having access to the iLet Bionic Pancreas through primary care providers—rather than requiring care exclusively from a healthcare provider specializing in diabetes or endocrinology clinic— can lower A1C levels effectively. The unphased study will enroll 240 people and follow participants for 13 weeks.

Can type 1 diabetes be prevented or more delayed?

Type 1 diabetes prevention is one of the most exciting areas of diabetes research, but also one of the most misunderstood. 

• TrialNet’s ASCEND T1D study is currently enrolling people between 4 to 34 years old with stage 2 type 1 diabetes. Researchers are comparing two immunotherapies: anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and teplizumab (Tzield) to see how well each medication delays progression to stage 3, when people are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

This research builds on a previous remarkable finding: earlier TrialNet research showed that teplizumab could delay T1D by years in people who are at high risk for the condition. 

More recent follow-up data have shown a median time to diagnosis of about five years among those who received the drug, compared with 2.3 years for the placebo group. 

Studies like ASCEND T1D are aiming to see if it’s possible to delay T1D even longer—maybe even prevent the condition altogether—in high-risk groups. 

Can a smartphone app help you manage your diabetes?

Not every clinical study involves taking a new drug or wearing a device. Researchers are also studying whether technology can help people understand and change patterns in their own diabetes management. 

One current pilot study is testing a smartphone app alongside continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and Fitbit data in young adults with T2D. 

Participants provide information about their physical activity and eating habits, and then give feedback about their experience. 

Studies like these are also important because diabetes doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Sleep, food, exercise, stress, work, technology, access to care and many other factors influence diabetes management every single day. 

How can you get involved in a clinical study?

First, it’s important to know that you don’t have to be “sick enough,” have perfectly managed blood sugars or be a research expert to participate in a clinical study. 

Every study has its own eligibility criteria. Some look for people at elevated risk for diabetes or even people without diabetes. Others recruit people with diabetes or specifically people living with diabetes from different racial backgrounds because participation in studies has been disproportionately white, and diseases can present differently depending on a person’s genetic background or overall health circumstances.

To get involved, a good place to start is Antidote.me, a digital health company that connects people with medical research and clinical studies. All you have to do is answer a few quick connections and it will match you with clinical studies you might qualify for. 

Before signing up for any study, ask yourself:

• What will I have to do? 
• Would I have to stop any medication I’m taking or stop using any of my diabetes tech? 
• Would I have to start an experimental device/insulin/medication? Am I comfortable with that? 
• How often will I have to go to the clinic? 
• Is the study site near my home?
• Will I have to take time off from school or work? 
• What are the health or financial risks? 
• Will I receive the actual treatment being studied or a placebo? Am I okay with either scenario? 
• Will the study cover the cost of any travel or pay me for my time?
• Who will view my data? 

And if you need even more guidance on how to navigate the enrollment process check out our friends at Clinical Enrollment.

Remember: clinical research isn’t just the promise of a cure

Every treatment, device and discovery today exists because someone was willing to participate in research yesterday. The future of diabetes care is being built every single day, and it takes all of us to bring these innovations into everyday lived reality. 

Ready to advocate for diabetes in your community? Join our ambassador program!