Incretins, Glucose Monitors, and Insulin Titration at ADA 2026

On June 5, 2026, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions will begin in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hundreds of presentations and trial readouts have already been announced, with many more on the way before the conference begins. Clinicians and companies will be sharing updates on everything from emerging incretin-based therapies, diabetes technology, and standards of care.

Diabetes Dialogue cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, discuss a few of the presentations and trial results they’re most looking forward to at this year’s ADA Scientific Sessions.

Check out the full episode on recent GLP-1 trials and results here.

In this segment, Isaacs and Bellini highlight growing excitement around next-generation GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptor agonists, emphasizing the expanding therapeutic landscape beyond traditional GLP-1 monotherapy. They discuss upcoming readouts for novel agents, including triple agonists such as retatrutide, noting the substantial weight-loss efficacy observed in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the possibility that triple agonism may address the attenuated weight-loss response typically seen in diabetes populations compared with obesity trials alone.

The hosts also discuss their enthusiasm surrounding Orforglipron, particularly its oral administration, ease of use, and comparatively lower cost profile. The speakers reflect on how affordability and convenience may improve patient uptake and adherence, drawing parallels to the adoption of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technologies among highly motivated patients. They suggest that reduced-cost incretin therapies could meaningfully broaden access and shift treatment priorities for many individuals with diabetes.

A major portion of the discussion focuses on advances in diabetes technology and the expanding role of CGM in T2D management. The speakers review growing evidence supporting CGM use beyond insulin-treated populations and discuss new ADA guideline language endorsing CGM for any patient likely to benefit. Particular attention is given to Dexcom’s Smart Basal feature, which integrates CGM data with automated basal insulin titration recommendations for individuals with T2D using long-acting insulin. The group highlights the potential of this tool to reduce therapeutic inertia, improve insulin adjustment, and lessen the burden on clinical staff through automated dose guidance.

The discussion then shifts to emerging ketone-monitoring technology, including anticipated dual glucose-ketone sensors expected later this year. The speakers debate how continuous ketone monitoring may parallel the early evolution of CGM adoption, ultimately becoming routine for many patients, particularly those with type 1 diabetes at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). They underscore the practical limitations of traditional ketone testing, noting that many patients do not consistently carry or replace ketone strips despite repeated education and prescriptions. Continuous ketone monitoring is framed as a potentially transformative safety tool capable of providing passive, real-time surveillance for impending DKA risk.

The segment concludes with a broader overview of advancements in automated insulin delivery (AID) systems and connected insulin technologies. The speakers express excitement about ongoing efforts toward fully closed-loop systems, including studies evaluating meal-unannounced insulin delivery in T2D with Omnipod 5. Additional attention is given to new insulin pump developments from Medtronic, including updates to the MiniMed platform and integration of the InPen with the MiniMed Go app and sensor ecosystem. The speakers emphasize the importance of maintaining advanced therapeutic options for patients who prefer injections over pumps, while preserving real-time safety features, insulin tracking, and decision support capabilities that can improve diabetes self-management across a broad range of patient populations.

Editor’s Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others.