The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions are one of the world’s largest gatherings of diabetes researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders. More than 11,000 people came together in June 2026 to share the latest progress.
Here’s what matters most for our community.
What you need to know (30 seconds)
- Progress in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is accelerating across multiple fronts, including cell therapies, immune therapies, technology and mental health.
- Some early studies show that cell therapies could one day reduce or even eliminate the need for insulin for some people.
- Researchers are working on treatments that target the root cause of T1D, not just blood sugar management.
- Earlier detection and screening are expanding and could help delay or prevent T1D in the future.
- Technology is improving daily life, but gaps remain, especially around preventing serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Canadian researchers and the Breakthrough T1D community are helping drive this progress forward.
Many scientific breakthroughs are coming together to improve daily life and bring us closer to cures.
Cell therapies: Moving closer to life beyond insulin
Why this matters
Cell therapies aim to replace the insulin-producing cells the body has lost. One day, this could mean fewer injections, or even the possibility of not needing insulin at all.
What’s new
At ADA 2026, cell therapies were a major focus.
- Dr. Trevor Reichman (University of Toronto) chaired a key session on how to bring manufactured islet cell therapies to more people.
- Dr. Sanjoy Dutta (Breakthrough T1D) highlighted the need to include the T1D community in how these therapies are developed and approved. In Canada, our efforts to make sure this happens are called Project ACT.
- Researchers emphasized that current clinical trials are too limited, and expanding access will be critical.
- A study using a new immunotherapy approach made by Eledon Pharmaceuticals showed that all 12 participants receiving islet transplants were able to stop using insulin, with no severe safety concerns reported.
There is also a strong focus on overcoming key barriers, especially reducing or eliminating the need for lifelong immunosuppression.
Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action
- Dr. Alice Carr (University of Alberta) is leading Breakthrough T1D-supported research to understand who is most likely to benefit from islet transplants and how to improve outcomes
- Pediatric perspectives were also highlighted by Dr. Brynn Marks (Breakthrough T1D), with contributions from Dr. Melena Bellin and Dr. Laura Jacobsen on what cell therapies could mean for children
These advances are being made possible because of the support of the Breakthrough T1D community – people living with T1D, families, and donors – who make this research possible.
Disease-modifying therapies: Treating the root cause
Why this matters
- Researchers are developing therapies that target the immune system earlier in the disease, offering a way to slow or halt T1D progression.
- Dr. Christoph Bausch (SAB Biotherapeutics) presented early clinical trial results for a therapy (SAB‑142) that improved time in range, reduced insulin use and may be safely re-dosed, opening the door to longer-lasting effects.
What’s new
This signals a major shift from managing T1D to changing how the disease progresses, which could fundamentally improve outcomes.
Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action
- Breakthrough T1D, with the support of its community, is helping fund and advance these therapies through its research and investment efforts.
- This work is helping move us closer to earlier intervention and, ultimately, prevention.
Early detection and screening: Finding T1D sooner
Why this matters
T1D develops over time before symptoms appear. Detecting it earlier could:
- Reduce the risk of serious complications at diagnosis
- Allow earlier access to therapies that may delay progression
What’s new
Screening programs are expanding globally using blood tests that detect early markers of T1D
- Dr. Holly O’Donnell (Barbara Davis Center) presented research showing that families need clear, ongoing support when learning about T1D risk and that better understanding can also increase anxiety if not handled carefully.
- Dr. Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill (Breakthrough T1D) shared emerging global recommendations for screening and emphasized the importance of participating in clinical trials.
- Dr. Raquel Lopez Diez (Breakthrough T1D) is helping lead international collaboration on genetic risk scoring to better understand who is most at risk.
Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action
- Canada is advancing toward wider screening through CanScreen T1D.
- Breakthrough T1D-supported research is also helping address the emotional impact of early detection on families.
Technology: Making daily life easier while closing gaps
Why this matters
Technology has transformed how many people manage T1D, but there’s still work to do to make it accessible, simple, and safe for everyone.
What’s new
- Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems continue to expand into more real-world settings.
- In Canada, clinical practice guidelines now recommend AID systems for all people with T1D who are able to use them.
- However, challenges remain:
- Hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) have increased by about 24% over time.
- Many people are not regularly monitoring ketones.
- New innovations like continuous ketone monitoring are beginning to emerge, offering a future where ketone monitoring is as easy as continuous glucose monitoring.
Researchers acknowledged that technology also comes with trade-offs, including alarm fatigue, data overload, and emotional burden.
Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action
- Dr. Alanna Weisman (Sinai Health, Toronto) is leading Breakthrough T1D-supported research to understand why some people face barriers to accessing diabetes technology, especially in underserved communities.
- This research supports Breakthrough T1D’s work to ensure equitable access to technology across Canada.
Adjunct therapies: Expanding treatment options
Why this matters
Insulin is essential but it may not be the only tool in the future. Additional therapies could help improve overall health and outcomes.
What’s new
- Researchers are studying medications like GLP‑1 therapies in people with T1D, especially youth.
- These therapies may help with blood sugar management, weight management, long-term heart health (still being studied) and more.
Future care will likely be more personalized, combining insulin, technology, and other therapies based on individual needs.
Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action
Breakthrough T1D, with the support of the community, continues to invest in research that expands treatment options and improves quality of life for people living with T1D.
Mental Health: Support whenever you need it
Why this matters
Living well with T1D isn’t just about blood sugar. Emotional health matters too, and new tools are making support easier to reach.
What’s new
- New digital tools are emerging to close this gap, making peer-led mental health support easier to reach.
Canada & Breakthrough T1D in action
- Dr. Tricia Tang (University of British Columbia) is leading Breakthrough T1D- funded research on REACHOUT, a mobile app that connects adults with T1D to peer-led mental health support. It’s available anytime, day or night, tailored to each person’s needs, and delivered by a peer they choose.
- In her study, people who used REACHOUT for six months saw greater improvements in their mental health than those still waiting to access it. Full results are expected soon.
Dr. Tang presented results of the wait-list, randomized control trial – meaning that anyone who participated in the trial was randomly selected to either receive the peer support immediately or were put on a waitlist and still answered surveys about their mental health while waiting for access to the REACHOUT app. This style of study allows for all interested participants to access the tool (albeit at various times) but also provides control data to compare to. Using the REACHOUT app for 6 months was successful in improving mental health outcomes compared to those not using the app on the waitlist. The full results are expected to be published
What this all means for our community
ADA 2026 made one thing clear: progress in T1D is not coming from just one breakthrough, but from many advances happening at the same time.
Together, these advances are:
- Improving daily life
- Reducing the burden of T1D
- Bringing us closer to cures
And, importantly, this progress is powered by you.
Through advocacy, participation in research, fundraising, and lived experience, the Breakthrough T1D community is helping drive every step forward.
