Diabetes has been around for nearly 5,000 years. As you may imagine, our understanding of diabetes and its treatment has advanced quite a bit over time. Caregivers have advanced from herbal remedies to an innate scientific understanding of diabetes management. What’s next on this frontier? Well, technology has entered the chat.
Recent advances in diabetes care give patients more tools and resources than ever to help manage the condition. At the same time, there’s a growing emphasis on helping people understand and use these tools in ways that fit their lives, goals and unique health needs. With these assets at your disposal, you can feel confident that you’re keeping diabetes in check.
What is trending in diabetes care?
Expanding access to tools that help take the guesswork out of blood sugar levels is a goal many diabetes educators share. Just as important is making sure people have the education and support they need to turn data into meaningful action. Here are some of the new and emerging technologies and scientific advances that could help you manage diabetes more easily and effectively.
Predictive AI modeling
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recently announced the potential that AI has to improve early-stage identification of Type 1 diabetes. Why is this such a breakthrough? Well, currently, over 64,000 Americans have Type 1 diabetes, and as many as 40% don’t even know they have it.
As a result of this gap in awareness, many people find out they have diabetes only after they have had a serious or life-threatening health event. Predictive AI modeling can help change that, allowing doctors to assess the risk of Type 1 diabetes with greater accuracy up to a year before a diagnosis. Earlier awareness creates opportunities for education, monitoring and support before complications occur. This is a key shift in how diabetes care is delivered.
Automated Insulin Delivery (AID)
AID devices combine an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to help people manage diabetes with greater accuracy. There is a need for more systematic and structured guidelines on AID devices, but they are showing promising results.
These devices can predict glucose levels up to 30 minutes ahead and automatically adjust insulin as needed. This technology can help you prevent spikes in blood sugar to help you manage diabetes with more confidence. Once largely for Type 1, these devices have recently become available to adults with Type 2 diabetes.
Evidence-based nutrition guidelines
The ADA’s 2026 Standards of Care, a set of practice guidelines based on the latest scientific research and clinical trials, featured new evidence for preventing Type 2 diabetes associated with eating patterns.
While there isn’t one magic diet that prevents or manages diabetes, AI allows scientists to sift through large amounts of data and improve their findings. Current evidence suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet may be the best option for people looking to reduce their risk of diabetes. Even with strong evidence, it’s important to talk with your doctor to choose the best diet for you. Nutrition choices should remain person-centered, realistic and aligned with your lifestyle.
Long-lasting continuous glucose monitoring sensors
CGMs are becoming widely used. They track blood glucose continually and send real-time readings to your phone, reducing the need for multiple daily finger pricks.
Some models can stay implanted for up to a year, which makes tracking easier and decreases sensor changes. Barriers to access still affect many Americans, but healthcare providers are working to close these gaps. As CGMs become more common, real-time monitoring for more people grows closer to reality, though more progress is needed.
The 2026 ADA Standards of Care recommend CGM use at diabetes onset and at any point thereafter to improve outcomes. They are also recommending the removal of the insulin use tied to CGM use. These changes are expected to expand access and allow more people to benefit from real-time monitoring earlier in their diabetes journey.
What remains a challenge?
Breakthroughs in research help, but barriers remain, including device cost, insurance coverage and patient education. Additionally, not every technology suits every person’s lifestyle or health profile. Still, momentum is growing as diabetes caregivers work to make these tools more widely accessible, more affordable and easier to use in 2026 and beyond.
Resources for managing diabetes are getting smarter, more flexible and more commercially available. New technology, updated guidance and growing awareness help more people find a care plan that empowers them to live their healthiest lives with diabetes.
If you or someone you care about is managing diabetes, consider reaching out to one of our diabetes educators at NKC Health to stay on top of emerging trends and explore more resources on diabetes care.
