Diabetes treatment continues to change, creating new possibilities for how people manage the condition and protect their long-term health. As research advances and treatment recommendations evolve, staying informed can help patients and their healthcare providers work together to make informed decisions about their care.
Here are three key diabetes developments from 2026 and why they matter.
1. Once-Weekly Basal Insulin Became a Treatment Option for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
One of the most notable developments in diabetes treatment this year was the FDA approval of once-weekly basal insulin.
In March 2026, the FDA approved Awiqli (insulin icodec-abae), the first once-weekly basal insulin approved in the United States for adults with type 2 diabetes. In September, the FDA approved Onswik, another long-acting insulin that is administered once a week.
Traditionally, people who need basal insulin take it daily. A weekly option may reduce the number of injections and offer greater flexibility for some adults managing type 2 diabetes.
Once-weekly insulin is not appropriate for everyone. Your endocrinologist can help determine which insulin is most appropriate for you and which treatment options best fit your medical needs.
2. Updated Recommendations Emphasized Earlier Access to Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, measure glucose levels throughout the day and night, giving patients and healthcare professionals a more detailed view of blood sugar patterns than periodic finger-stick checks alone.
The ADA’s 2026 Standards of Care recommend considering CGM at diabetes onset and at any point afterward for people who could benefit from the technology. The recommendations also remove certain prior treatment requirements for starting insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery systems.
CGMs can help reveal:
- How blood sugar changes after meals
- How physical activity affects glucose levels
- Overnight glucose patterns
- When glucose levels are high or low
- How much time glucose spends within a target range
This information can help patients and their healthcare teams identify patterns and make informed decisions about treatment.
CGMs are not just for people who take insulin. Whether one is appropriate depends on a person’s medical needs, treatment plan, and ability to use the information. Your healthcare team can help you determine whether continuous glucose monitoring could be useful for you.
3. Diabetes Treatment Recommendations Continued to Emphasize Heart, Kidney, Liver, and Weight Health
Blood sugar and A1C remain important measures of diabetes management, but treatment decisions increasingly account for other health conditions and the risk of future complications.
The ADA’s 2026 Standards of Care include recommendations addressing weight management, cardiovascular health, kidney disease, and the benefits of certain glucose-lowering medications beyond blood sugar control.
The takeaway is that treatment decisions should consider more than A1C alone. Your endocrinologist will assess your blood sugar, medical history, weight goals, cardiovascular and kidney health, other conditions, potential side effects, and treatment preferences when determining which options may be appropriate.
What These Diabetes Treatment Advances Mean for You
Developments in 2026 have expanded some treatment options and reinforced the importance of choosing care based on each person’s needs, but a new medication or device is not automatically the best choice for every patient.
At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, our board-certified endocrinologists help patients understand their treatment options and develop plans based on their medical history, health needs, and goals.
Have questions about your diabetes treatment or whether a newer medication or technology may be appropriate for you?
Request an appointment at our Central Austin, South Austin, and Round Rock offices online or call (512) 458-8400.
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