Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. About 1.9 million Americans have it. Treatment requires daily insulin through injections or pumps, plus constant blood sugar monitoring. Current research aims to preserve remaining beta cells in newly diagnosed patients, automate insulin delivery, and prevent the disease before it starts.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing immunotherapies like teplizumab (FDA-approved in 2022 to delay onset) in various disease stages, closed-loop insulin systems that adjust delivery automatically, beta cell replacement approaches including stem cell-derived islets, and vaccines to prevent disease in high-risk children. Researchers are also studying dual-hormone systems that include glucagon alongside insulin.
Immunotherapy at diagnosis
Teplizumab and other immune-modulating drugs are being tested right after diagnosis to preserve remaining beta cells. The goal is to extend the honeymoon period when people still make some insulin.
Stem cell-derived beta cells
Several teams are developing insulin-producing cells from stem cells, packaged in devices that protect them from immune attack. Early trials are testing whether these can reduce or eliminate insulin needs.
Prevention trials
Studies are testing whether intervening in relatives who carry high-risk genes can prevent type 1 diabetes before any beta cells are lost. Teplizumab delayed onset by about two years in one prevention trial.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on how recently you were diagnosed, whether you still make any insulin (measured by C-peptide), and for prevention trials, which antibodies you carry.
What types of trials are currently open
- Immunotherapy trials — Testing drugs that quiet the immune attack on beta cells, either at diagnosis or in people at high risk. Most involve intravenous infusions over days or weeks.
- Beta cell replacement — Testing transplanted islet cells or stem cell-derived beta cells, usually placed under the skin in protective devices.
- Artificial pancreas trials — Testing automated insulin delivery systems that adjust doses based on continuous glucose readings, including dual-hormone pumps.
- Prevention studies — Enrolling relatives of people with type 1 diabetes who have high-risk antibodies but normal blood sugar, testing whether treatment can prevent disease.
- Hypoglycemia trials — Testing ways to reduce dangerous low blood sugar episodes, including new glucagon formulations and prediction algorithms.
Recently added Type 1 Diabetes trials
Test an experimental insulin patch pump with built-in glucose monitor
This research study is testing an investigational dual-port insulin patch pump that integrates a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in adults with type 1 diabetes. The goal of the study is to better understand how insulin delivery near a CGM sensor affects glucose readings and to collect data to support development of a combined insulin pump and CGM system. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy. Many use insulin pumps and CGMs, but these systems usually involve wearing multiple devices at different body sites. Managing several devices can increase treatment burden and may contribute to skin irritation, device failures, and challenges with glucose control. This study is conducted in two in-patient parts. In Part A, participants will wear three investigational devices at the same time while glucose levels are closely monitored using laboratory blood tests and a commercial CGM. This part of the study is designed to measure how basal and bolus insulin delivery near the CGM sensor affects sensor accuracy and how quickly the sensor signal recovers after insulin delivery. In Part B, participants will wear one investigational device while trained study staff use CGM information from the integrated sensor to guide insulin delivery recommendations generated by an automated glucose control algorithm. Insulin delivery decisions will be closely supervised, and glucose levels will be frequently monitored. Participants will stay at the clinical research center for short, controlled study visits. Safety will be monitored throughout the study, with predefined procedures for treating low or high blood sugar. The information collected will be used to support further development of an integrated insulin pump and CGM system for people with type 1 diabetes.
Mathematical Modeling of Blood Sugar and Hormone Responses in Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes
This observational study aims to collect detailed metabolic and physiologic data from adults with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus following consumption of a mixed meal tolerance test. Participants will undergo frequent blood sampling over a 4-hour period after consuming a standardized liquid mixed meal to measure glucose, insulin, glucagon, C-peptide, and triglyceride responses. Participants will also use continuous glucose monitoring and wearable physical activity tracking devices during free-living conditions. The purpose of this study is to develop mathematical models and digital representations ("digital twins") of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These models may help researchers better understand metabolic responses to meals, physical activity, and diabetes treatments, and may support future development of personalized diabetes technologies and therapies.
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