Pediatric Diabetes Clinical Trials
Clinical researchers are working to discover new strategies and medications to help children with diabetes live healthier, happier lives. Here are some exciting clinical trials your child might be able to join now.
Managing diabetes in children can be challenging for many reasons. Researchers are continually working to find better ways to help children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes live more comfortable, healthier lives. Here are a number of trials looking to enroll children and adolescents with diabetes.
Promising new beta cell treatment
The DIAGNODE-3 trial is investigating the safety and effectiveness of the immunotherapy drug Diamyd in people 12-28 years old who have recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Researchers will first screen for HLA DR3-DQ2 – a common gene seen in those with type 1 diabetes. It will also measure if Diamyd preserves beta cell function and any changes in A1C.
Oral semaglutide for preteens and teens with type 2 diabetes
The PIONEER TEENS trial is studying the use of oral semaglutide in preteens and teens with type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is FDA-approved for diabetes management, weight management, or to reduce cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Zepbound use for weight loss in adolescents
Teens 12 to 17 years old may be eligible to join the SURMOUNT-ADOLESCENT trial studying the effect of tirzepatide on weight management. Tirzepatide is currently FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro and FDA-approved for chronic weight management as Zepbound.
Emergency glucagon for kids
This research study will investigate whether dasiglucagon (sold under the name Zegalogue) works as a rescue therapy and is safe to use in children under 6 years of age. In addition, the study will investigate how this particular glucagon works in the body.
More clinical trials to watch out for:
Investigating bariatric surgery for type 2 diabetes in teens
- The ST2OMP study aims to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on blood glucose management and related conditions in teens ages 13-19 with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Using mindfulness to support youth with type 1 diabetes
- The BREATHE-T1D study will begin recruiting in late March 2025 to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention for teens ages 13-17 with type 1 diabetes to improve depression and anxiety symptoms.
Repeat BCG vaccinations effect in pediatric type 1 diabetes
- This study is investigating if a vaccine used for tuberculosis, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), might provide beneficial effects for the body's use of sugars and lowering A1C in people ages 12-17 with type 1 diabetes.
Test to preserve beta cell function in new-onset type 1 diabetes
- This trial is studying whether the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) can reduce systemic inflammation and prolong beta cell function in people ages 3-35 newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Preserving C-peptide production in new-onset type 1 diabetes
- This study is examining the use of two medicines, abrocitnib and ritlecitinibare, in people ages 12 to 35 recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The study will examine whether the medicines are effective at preserving C-peptide, which indicates the level of insulin being produced.
Learn more about treatments and research for kids and teens with diabetes here: