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
Share blood samples to help understand insulin and diabetes outcomes
The purpose of this research is to understand the impact of retained endogenous insulin (as measured by C-peptide) on quality of life and related outcomes in people living with insulin treated diabetes, and, in those living with type 1 diabetes, to determine the pragmatic and non-pragmatic C-peptide measures which have the strongest association with clinical benefit (including repeated home samples and derived measures of beta cell function). The investigators will do this in two ways: Firstly, the investigators will extend a large existing prospective study of new adult onset diabetes (Getting the Right Classification and Treatment From Diagnosis in Adults With Diabetes (StartRight)) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03737799) which has followed 1800 participants for median 4 years from diabetes diagnosis. Participants with insulin treated diabetes will be invited to take part in a further research visit remotely or face to face. The investigators will assess the longitudinal relationship between C-peptide and the available quality of life, mental health status and healthcare utilisation measures over up to 9 years from diabetes diagnosis and assess additional measures in cross sectional analysis. In the second part of this research, the investigators will utilise cohorts of over 2500 participants with type 1 diabetes, measured C-peptide and consent to recontact to recruit 200 participants with a range of C-peptide. Eligible participants with C-peptide measured in clinical care may also be invited to take part. The investigators will undertake detailed assessment of complex and pragmatic measures of C-peptide and beta cell function and compare performance in predicting glycaemic outcomes (using data from continuous glucose monitors) and (where relevant) patient reported outcomes.
Try a text-based remote monitoring system to manage your diabetes
The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a tele-diabetes remote monitoring system on managing type 1 diabetes (T1DM) among children and adolescents. The study aims to assess whether this system, which incorporates a WhatsApp-based alert system, can improve clinical outcomes, increase adherence to treatment, enhance quality of life, and reduce healthcare utilization in this population. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the tele-diabetes remote system improve glycemic control (e.g., time in range \[TIR\], frequency of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, HbA1c levels)? Does it enhance adherence to treatment and overall quality of life for children and youth with T1DM? Does the system reduce the number of emergency room visits for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or severe hypoglycemia, hospitalizations, and overall medical costs? Researchers will compare participants who receive WhatsApp notifications (intervention group) with those receiving standard care (control group) to evaluate differences in clinical outcomes, quality of life, and healthcare burden. Participants will: Receive notifications via WhatsApp messages sent by a system developed by the research team, which monitors glucose trends in real-time and sends alerts when patterns (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia) are detected. Participate in follow-ups supported by the hybrid medical team between routine clinic visits.
Find Type 1 Diabetes trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.