Diabetes Dialogue: American Diabetes Association Trial Recap – Part 1

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, and Real-World Perspectives!

In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and co-director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, recap some of the biggest clinical trials presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2025 conference in Chicago, Illinois.

The episode begins by addressing the Vertex study, highlighting data on VX-880, an allogeneic stem cell-derived islet cell therapy for type 1 diabetes. Of the 12 participants with impaired hypoglycemia awareness and a history of severe hypoglycemic events, 10 achieved insulin independence with over 90% time in range at 12 months. Although the therapy requires immunosuppression, the results mark a major step toward a functional cure, with larger trials ongoing.

Next, Isaacs and Bellini discuss the ADJUNCT T1D trial evaluating semaglutide 1 mg weekly in adults with type 1 diabetes and obesity on AID systems. Semaglutide led to significant A1c reductions (–0.7%), an 8.8% increase in time-in-range, 10% average body weight loss, and reduced total daily insulin doses—without increasing time below range. Notably, 36% of participants met the composite endpoint, compared to 0% on placebo, reinforcing the need for broader access to GLP-1 therapies in type 1 diabetes.

Isaacs and Bellini also review the phase 3 ACHIEVE-1 trial of orforglipron, a novel, oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist. Orforglipron demonstrated A1c reductions of up to 1.6%, 76% target attainment (<7% A1c), and 8% weight loss without the fasting or timing restrictions of existing oral options. The hosts highlight its ease of use and potential to improve adherence and expand treatment access.

The episode highlights and emphasizes the increasing momentum behind innovative therapies in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The rapid advancements of the last year may be priming the endocrinology field for even more progress in the future. Isaacs and Bellini preview more pivotal data to be covered in part two.

Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others.