A Diabetologia review examines next-generation non-insulin diabetes therapies targeting novel pathways to improve glycemic control with better safety profiles.
Multiple novel mechanismsNext-generation diabetes drugs target glucagon, multi-agonism, and novel pathways beyond current treatments
What the researchers found
Multiple novel diabetes therapies targeting new pathways are in development, aiming to improve glycemic control while avoiding hypoglycemia and supporting weight loss.
Why it matters
Despite current options, many patients have inadequately controlled diabetes. Next-generation therapies could fill remaining treatment gaps.
How the study worked
Narrative review of non-insulin diabetes therapies in early clinical development, published in Diabetologia.
What this study cannot tell us
Review of early-stage therapies — most have not completed phase 3 trials; ultimate clinical utility uncertain.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review in Diabetologia — authoritative overview of the emerging diabetes therapy landscape.
When this study was published
Published 2026 in Diabetologia.
The bigger picture
The diabetes pharmacotherapy pipeline is the most active in medicine, with multiple novel mechanisms being explored beyond incretin-based approaches.
Questions still open
- Which novel mechanisms will prove most effective while maintaining safety?
- Will triple agonists (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) deliver on their promise?
Common questions
Why do we need more diabetes drugs?
What kinds of new drugs are being developed?
Read the original research
Pharmacological therapies for type 2 diabetes: future approaches.
Diabetologia, 69(1), 20-35
Citation
Bailey, Clifford J. (2026). Pharmacological therapies for type 2 diabetes: future approaches.. Diabetologia, 69(1), 20-35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-025-06581-6