Diabetes Clinical Trials: Type 1 vs Type 2 Options
Published April 6, 2026 · ClinicalTrials.gov data
The diabetes clinical trial landscape has been transformed by the GLP-1 revolution. Drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide have reshaped how we treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Meanwhile, Type 1 diabetes research is advancing toward a functional cure through islet cell transplants, immune modulation, and next-generation closed-loop insulin delivery systems.
Important: This is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.
Type 2 Diabetes: The GLP-1 Era
The approval of semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) changed the diabetes treatment paradigm. Current Type 2 diabetes trials are focused on:
- Triple agonists: Drugs targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously for even greater blood sugar and weight reduction
- Oral GLP-1s: Pill formulations that could replace injections, making treatment more accessible
- SGLT2 combinations: Pairing kidney-protective SGLT2 inhibitors with GLP-1 drugs for cardiovascular and renal benefits
- Metabolic surgery alternatives: Endoscopic and pharmacological approaches that mimic bariatric surgery outcomes
- Diabetes remission: Trials testing whether aggressive early treatment can put Type 2 diabetes into remission
Type 1 Diabetes: Toward a Functional Cure
Type 1 diabetes research is pursuing several paths to replace the insulin-producing beta cells destroyed by the immune system:
- Islet cell transplants: Transplanting donor or stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells. The FDA approval of Lantidra marked a milestone, and newer approaches aim to protect transplanted cells from immune rejection without lifelong immunosuppression.
- Immune modulation: Teplizumab (Tzield) was the first drug approved to delay Type 1 diabetes onset. New trials are testing other immune-modulating drugs in newly diagnosed patients and at-risk individuals.
- Automated insulin delivery: Advanced closed-loop systems (artificial pancreas) that combine CGMs with insulin pumps and increasingly sophisticated algorithms.
- Beta cell regeneration: Experimental drugs that stimulate the body to regrow its own insulin-producing cells.
Recruiting Diabetes-Related Trials
CGM and Device Trials
Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) technology continues to advance rapidly. Current device trials include:
- Non-invasive glucose monitoring (no finger sticks or sensor insertions)
- Longer-wear sensors lasting 30+ days
- Integrated CGM-insulin pump systems with predictive algorithms
- CGM use in gestational diabetes and prediabetes populations
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes clinical trials different?
Type 1 diabetes trials focus on immune modulation (preventing the body from attacking insulin-producing cells), islet cell transplants, and artificial pancreas technology. Type 2 diabetes trials focus on new drug classes like GLP-1 agonists, insulin sensitizers, and weight management approaches. Both types include device trials for continuous glucose monitoring. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.
Are there clinical trials for diabetes prevention?
Yes. Several trials are testing whether Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or reversed through GLP-1 medications, intensive lifestyle interventions, or early pharmacological treatment in people with prediabetes. For Type 1, trials like the TrialNet network test immune therapies in relatives of people with T1D who show early autoimmune markers.
Do diabetes clinical trials pay participants?
Many diabetes trials compensate participants for time and travel, typically $50-150 per visit. Trials also usually provide free study medication, glucose monitoring supplies, and regular lab work at no cost. Compensation varies by study length and visit frequency. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.
What is the GLP-1 revolution in diabetes trials?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide and tirzepatide) have transformed Type 2 diabetes treatment by dramatically lowering blood sugar and body weight. Current trials are testing next-generation GLP-1 drugs, oral formulations, combination molecules (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonists), and expanded uses in Type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular protection.
About This Data
Trial data from ClinicalTrials.gov API v2, last updated May 8, 2026. Recruiting counts reflect actively enrolling studies. This is not medical advice, talk to your doctor about clinical trials. See our methodology.