Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. About 1.6 million Americans have it, typically diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood. Treatment centers on insulin replacement through injections or pumps, plus continuous glucose monitoring to prevent dangerous highs and lows.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing therapies that may slow or stop the autoimmune attack, preserve remaining beta cells in newly diagnosed people, and prevent the disease in high-risk children. Other studies focus on closed-loop insulin delivery systems, beta cell transplants, and stem cell approaches that could reduce or eliminate the need for insulin.
Immune intervention
Teplizumab received FDA approval in 2022 to delay progression in high-risk individuals. Trials are now testing whether other immune therapies can preserve beta cells in newly diagnosed people or prevent the disease entirely.
Beta cell replacement
Researchers are testing stem cell-derived beta cells implanted in protective pouches that shield them from immune attack. Early results show some people producing their own insulin months after implantation.
Closed-loop systems
Automated insulin delivery systems that adjust dosing in real time are becoming more sophisticated. Studies are testing whether these systems can improve time in range and reduce dangerous overnight lows.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on how recently you were diagnosed, whether you still produce any insulin (measured by C-peptide levels), age, and antibody status.
What types of trials are currently open
- Prevention trials — Testing immune therapies in children and young adults at high genetic risk but before beta cell destruction begins. These studies often follow participants for years.
- New-onset trials — Testing therapies within weeks or months of diagnosis to preserve remaining beta cells and extend the honeymoon period when people still make some insulin.
- Cell therapy trials — Testing beta cell or stem cell transplants, often with devices that protect the cells from immune attack while allowing insulin to reach the bloodstream.
- Technology trials — Testing new insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and closed-loop systems that automate insulin delivery based on real-time glucose readings.
- Complication trials — Testing treatments for diabetic eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and cardiovascular complications that develop over time.
Recently added Type 1 Diabetes trials
Silica-Based Wound Treatment (Curi01) Plus Standard Care Versus Standard Care Alone for Chronic Diabetic Foot Wounds
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if Curi01, a powder made of silica (silicon dioxide) particles, helps chronic, oozing diabetic foot ulcers heal when it is added to standard wound care. Curi01 is sprinkled directly onto the wound, where it soaks up wound fluid and forms a gel that is washed off at the next dressing change. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do more wounds heal completely within 12 weeks when Curi01 is added to standard wound care, compared with standard wound care alone? A wound counts as healed when it is fully closed and still closed 14 days later. Is Curi01 safe and well tolerated? Researchers will compare Curi01 plus standard wound care to standard wound care alone. Standard wound care includes removing dead tissue, cleaning the wound, non-medicated dressings and pressure relief for the foot if applicable. Participants will: Be adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who have an oozing foot ulcer (2 to 10 cm²) that has been present for at least 6 weeks and has not improved enough with standard wound care First receive standard wound care for 2 weeks to check whether the wound improves on its own Then be assigned by chance to one of the two groups; 2 out of 3 participants will receive Curi01 Visit the study site up to 18 times over about 14 weeks; in the Curi01 group, the powder is applied at each visit until the wound is dry Have their wound photographed and measured with a wound imaging app at each visit Answer questionnaires about their quality of life and how they feel their condition has changed Be asked about any side effects or health problems About 280 participants will take part at around 20 study sites in Germany. Participants and doctors will know which treatment is being given.
Continuous Monitoring of Plantar Temperature Variations Using Connected Insoles and a Mobile Application for Diabetic Foot.
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the performance of a self-monitoring system (Solsius SelfCare) to detect pre-ulcerative clinical abnormalities in adults living with type 1 or 2 diabetes at high podiatric risk (grade 3 according to French HAS guidelines) and a history of healed diabetic foot wound. The main question it aims to answer is: \- Can the Solsius SelfCare system detect pre-ulcerative foot abnormalities with a sensitivity of at least 80%, defined as the proportion of temperature threshold exceedances (≥ 2.2°C difference between symmetric plantar sites over 2 consecutive days) confirmed by a clinical abnormality identified by a podiatrist? There is no comparison group. All participants will use the same device throughout the study. Participants will: * Wear the Solsius SelfCare connected insoles daily (except during sleep) for 12 months * Receive a push notification on their smartphone if a temperature difference ≥ 2.2°C is detected between symmetric sites on both feet over 2 consecutive days * Attend scheduled podiatric follow-up visits every 3 months (at M3, M6, M9, and M12) * Attend an additional unscheduled podiatric visit within 24 hours after each temperature alert, to verify the presence or absence of a pre-ulcerative clinical abnormality * Complete a self-questionnaire after each temperature alert and a usability questionnaire (System Usability Scale) at the end of the study
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