ADA 2026 Recap: 5 Key Presentations to Know

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana, gathered together some of the greatest minds in endocrinology to discuss the latest major clinical trials and technological advancements in diabetes and obesity care. From Eli Lilly’s triple receptor agonist retatrutide to the ultra-long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist berobenatide made by Pfizer, this year’s meeting was dominated by major steps forward in incretin-based therapies.

Additionally, key evidence was put forward during the conference to support the broader application of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and continuous ketone monitors (CKMs) in monitoring and protecting patients with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The CONNECT trial in particular highlighted CGMs’ efficacy in patients with T2D who are not on insulin.

With all of the new data and key perspectives shared throughout the conference, the editorial team at HCPLive has collected 5 of the most impactful headlines to come out of ADA 2026. Catch up on any of the major data you may have missed during the conference below:

TRANSCEND-T2D-1: Retatrutide Demonstrates Superior Weight Loss and A1c Results Versus Placebo

Eli Lilly’s groundbreaking GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist retatrutide substantially outperformed placebo in A1c reduction and weight loss among patients with T2D. Presented by Harpreet Singh Bajaj, MD, MPH, this study marks the first phase 3 trial of a triple agonist in this patient population, and allowed 90% of enrolled patients to achieve an HbA1c below the ADA’s T2D target of 7%.

TRIUMPH-1: Retatrutide Substantially Lowers Weight, BMI in Patients With Obesity or Overweight

Presented in tandem with TRANSCEND-T2D-1, this phase 3 study compared retatrutide to placebo in reducing body weight among patients with obesity. Additionally, the trial included 2 basket trials for knee osteoarthritis pain and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, respectively. Retatrutide demonstrated a substantial reduction in body mass index (BMI), WOMAC pain subscale scores, and apnea-hypopnea index for patients with overweight, knee osteoarthritis, and obstructive sleep apnea, respectively.

Survodutide Shows Fat Mass Loss, Liver Fat Reductions in Patients With Obesity Without T2D

In the phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-1 study, Boehringer Ingelheim’s investigative glucagon/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist survodutide demonstrated substantial improvements to metabolic health and weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity without T2D. Carel le Roux, PhD, director of the Metabolic Medicine Group at the University College Dublin School of Medicine and a global coordinating investigator of the study, discusses these positive results, along with a substudy investigating patients’ fat loss via MRI measurements.

Berobenatide Monthly Dosing Shows Weight Loss Efficacy in VESPER Trials, With John Buse, MD, PhD

The VESPER-1 and VESPER-3 findings saw berobenatide, and investigational ultra-long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, demonstrate significant placebo-adjusted weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D. In an interview with HCPLive, John Buse, MD, PhD, lead author of the VESPER presentations, highlights the rationale behind berobenatide’s monthly dosing, pointing out the comparative convenience gain versus more frequent injections.

CONNECT Trial Backs CGM for Non-Insulin Type 2 Diabetes Management

The CONNECT randomized controlled trial has demonstrated the importance of CGMs in managing T2D in adults who are not on insulin. The trial demonstrated the devices’ efficacy in reducing hyperglycemia, thereby reducing A1c, compared to a routine care control group. CONNECT also analyzed patient-reported satisfaction and distress, indicating reduced greater satisfaction and reduced distress among patients in the CGM group.