Diabetes clinical trials, explained for patients.
What's new in diabetes research this year, from stem-cell therapies for type 1 to new medications for type 2, plus where to find studies, financial help, and mental health support. Built around resources from Diabetes Canada and the global diabetes community.
Free, private, no obligation at any step.
First things first: trials are almost always specific to your type of diabetes
What's new in diabetes research this year
Diabetes research is having a remarkable stretch. Four developments worth knowing about, in plain language:
Zimislecel stem-cell islet therapy
A trial using lab-grown, stem-cell-derived insulin-producing islet cells achieved insulin independence in most participants with type 1 diabetes.
Read the UHN announcement →Gene-edited islet cells, no immunosuppression
Scientists used gene editing to modify donor insulin-producing cells so the immune system doesn't recognize and attack them — eliminating the need for the powerful anti-rejection drugs that normally come with a transplant. The first person to receive these cells is producing their own insulin with no additional medication, 14 months later.
Read more at Breakthrough T1D →Retatrutide and orforglipron
Retatrutide is a single weekly injection that mimics three natural body signals at once to lower blood sugar, reduce appetite, and slow digestion. Orforglipron works similarly but comes as a once-daily pill — no injections — and showed strong results for both blood sugar and weight in trials.
Read the trial results →March 2026 research highlights
A roundup from Diabetes UK covering type 1 beta-cell therapy progress alongside a promising type 2 diabetes drug.
Read the roundup →Studies like these all needed volunteers to happen. See what's recruiting near you now.
How diabetes clinical trials work
Clinical trials move through phases, each testing something different before a treatment can reach patients broadly:
A small group — often including healthy volunteers alongside people with diabetes — tests safety, tolerability, and dosing. It's the first time the treatment is given to people.
Tests whether the treatment actually works for diabetes, while continuing to monitor safety and side effects.
A large, diverse group confirms effectiveness, often comparing against a standard treatment or placebo. Usually the step required before regulatory approval.
The treatment is monitored in real-world use for long-term safety and rare side effects.
Trusted diabetes resources
Support for the whole journey: finding studies, funding your care, and looking after your mental health.
Learn about diabetes
- Clinical Trials | Diabetes Canada CANADA Canadian trial listings for both types, including artificial pancreas technology, stem-cell islet therapies, and new type 2 medications.
- Diabetes Action Canada CANADA Patient-oriented research network with type 1 study opportunities across Canada.
- Type 1 Research Highlights | American Diabetes Association US Summary of major type 1 diabetes research the ADA funds and tracks.
- Type 2 Research At-a-Glance | American Diabetes Association US Overview of major type 2 research areas, including new drug classes, prevention, and complications.
- International Diabetes Federation GLOBAL Global diabetes body representing 240+ national associations; publishes prevention guidance, statistics, and runs World Diabetes Day.
Financial support
- Financial Assistance | Diabetes Canada CANADA Overview of financial help available for medications, devices, and diabetes care in Canada.
- Tax Credits | Diabetes Canada CANADA Guidance on the Disability Tax Credit and other tax credits available to people with diabetes.
- Managing Health Care Costs | American Diabetes Association US Guidance on affording diabetes care, insulin, and devices.
- Insulin Cost and Affordability | American Diabetes Association US Programs and strategies to reduce insulin costs.
- 211 Canada CANADA Free, confidential 24/7 referral service connecting people to local health, social, and financial support services.
Community & emotional support
- Mental Health | Diabetes Canada CANADA Resources and videos on coping with the emotional side of living with diabetes.
- Mental Health + Diabetes Directory | Diabetes Canada & Breakthrough T1D CANADA Connecting patients with mental health providers trained in diabetes care.
- Mental Health | Diabetes Action Canada CANADA Programming and resources on the psychosocial side of diabetes.
- Mental Health Provider Directory | American Diabetes Association US Directory of mental health providers with diabetes-specific training.
- Local support groups Many hospitals, clinics, and community centres run in-person and online diabetes support groups. Ask your care team, or call 211 for one near you.
You're part of a global research community
The International Diabetes Federation represents national diabetes associations around the world, and type 2 diabetes alone accounts for over 90% of cases worldwide. Few conditions have more research momentum behind them right now.
Tips for getting started
- Found something on MyTrials that looks right? Your next step is your diabetes care team. Print or share the trial details and ask: "Is this worth exploring for me?" Doctors take patient-initiated trial questions seriously, and yours knows your history.
- Contact the trial team with your information ready: your type (1 or 2), your most recent A1C, your current medications, and a brief treatment history. That's the first thing every coordinator asks for.
- Use the tools below before your first call. The prep sheet, checklist, and consent guide were built for exactly this moment. Good trial teams expect these questions.
The 9-question checklist
The questions to ask any trial team before joining, with space to write their answers.
DownloadAppointment prep sheet
One page to organize your medications, history, and questions before a screening visit.
DownloadConsent form review sheet
A guided worksheet for reading a consent document at home before signing anything.
DownloadSee which diabetes trials fit your situation
Answer a few questions about your diabetes, your treatments, and where you live. We'll show you what's recruiting, in plain language.
Free for patients. Private. No obligation at any step.