Research & Science

Diabetes Research, Explained Clearly.

The latest clinical trials, drug developments and scientific breakthroughs — translated from medical journals into plain English.

Latest Research

Closed-Loop Insulin Systems Show Superior Outcomes Across All Age Groups in New Meta-Analysis

Technology

A comprehensive review of 47 randomised trials found automated insulin delivery systems reduced time-in-range by an average of 14% compared to multiple daily injections, with benefits seen across Type 1 patients from age 2 to 75.

Diabetes Care · March 2025

Semaglutide Reduces Kidney Disease Progression by 24% in Large Observational Study

Medication

The FLOW trial confirmed that once-weekly semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of serious kidney disease events in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, independent of its glucose-lowering effects.

New England Journal of Medicine · February 2025

Low-Carbohydrate Diet Achieves Type 2 Remission in 36% of Participants at 2 Years

Diet

A landmark trial published in The Lancet found that a structured low-carbohydrate dietary intervention, combined with weight loss support, achieved diabetes remission — defined as HbA1c below 48 mmol/mol without medication — in more than a third of participants.

The Lancet · January 2025

CRISPR-Edited Beta Cells Survive Immune Attack in Early Human Trial

Gene Therapy

Researchers report that gene-edited insulin-producing cells implanted in people with Type 1 diabetes showed signs of survival and function at 90 days without requiring immunosuppression — a significant hurdle in the field.

Nature Medicine · December 2024

Non-Invasive Glucose Sensing: Where Are We in 2025?

Technology

An expert review assesses the current state of non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, including optical, sweat-based and electromagnetic approaches — and explains why a truly accurate needle-free device remains elusive despite significant investment.

Diabetologia · November 2024
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Drug & Device Pipeline

Key diabetes treatments currently in development or recently approved.

Drug / DeviceTypeIndicationStageNotes
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)GIP/GLP-1Type 2ApprovedDual agonist — superior A1C reduction vs semaglutide
Semaglutide oral (Rybelsus)GLP-1Type 2ApprovedFirst oral GLP-1 receptor agonist
Insulin icodecWeekly insulinType 1 & 2Approved (US)Once-weekly basal insulin — major convenience gain
Zimhi (high-dose glucagon)RescueHypoglycaemiaApprovedAuto-injector for severe hypo rescue
OrforglipronOral GLP-1Type 2 / obesityPhase 3Non-peptide oral GLP-1 — potentially cheaper to manufacture
Ultra-rapid aspart (Faster Aspart)Mealtime insulinType 1 & 2Phase 3Faster onset for tighter post-meal control
Beta cell replacement therapyCell therapyType 1Phase 2Stem-cell derived beta cells — multiple trials ongoing

About this table

Updated periodically based on published trial results and TGA/FDA announcements. For treatment decisions, always consult your endocrinologist or GP.