Diabetes Dialogue: CONNECT, TRANSCEND, and TRIUMPH at ADA 2026

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives!

In this episode, shot live at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, discuss the latest major trial results like CONNECT, TRIUMPH, and TRANSCEND.

To begin the episode, Isaacs and Bellini, discuss major highlights from ADA Scientific Sessions, focusing first on the landmark CONNECT trial evaluating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in people with type 2 diabetes who are not treated with insulin. They reflect on the evolution of CGM technology, from its early use primarily in type 1 diabetes to its expanding role in type 2 diabetes management, and explain why this trial represents an important step forward for patients who have historically had limited access to CGM.

The hosts review the randomized controlled trial findings, emphasizing the significant improvements in glycemic outcomes, including a 1.6% reduction in A1c from baseline and an approximately 0.9% greater reduction compared with standard care. They also highlight the increase in time in range, with participants using CGM achieving roughly five additional hours per day in target glucose range. The magnitude of these findings is discussed as a practice-changing development, with the potential to influence future clinical guidelines and strengthen recommendations for CGM use among individuals with type 2 diabetes who are not using insulin.

The discussion also explores the broader implications of the CONNECT trial for healthcare access and insurance coverage. The hosts note that randomized controlled trial evidence has historically played a key role in shaping standards of care and payer decisions, and they suggest that these results may help support wider adoption of CGM by demonstrating meaningful improvements in glucose control and patient outcomes.

The conversation then shifts to emerging pharmacologic advances, with a focus on retatrutide, a novel triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon pathways. The hosts discuss new data showing substantial metabolic benefits in people with type 2 diabetes, including up to 17% weight reduction and nearly 2% A1c lowering. They highlight how these findings represent a major advancement in diabetes and obesity treatment, particularly as clinicians continue to see increasingly powerful effects from next-generation incretin-based therapies.

Isaacs and Bellini explore how these therapies may reshape treatment strategies by allowing clinicians to tailor medication choices based on individual patient needs and goals. They discuss the importance of considering both glucose lowering and weight reduction effects, recognizing that some patients may benefit from significant weight loss while others may require a more balanced approach focused primarily on glycemic improvement.

The hosts also address important unanswered questions surrounding the use of highly effective weight-loss medications, including appropriate treatment targets, the limitations of BMI as a measure, and the importance of preserving muscle mass and overall function. They emphasize the need to consider body composition, physical activity, resistance training, and patient characteristics—particularly in older adults or those at risk for frailty—when developing long-term treatment plans.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the rapidly evolving landscape of diabetes care. The hosts highlight how advances in CGM technology and novel metabolic therapies are creating new opportunities to improve outcomes, personalize treatment approaches, and redefine the future management of people living with diabetes.

Editors’ Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others.

References

1. Dexcom. Dexcom CONNECT Study: The Most Significant Clinical Study Demonstrating CGM Benefits for People with Type 2 Diabetes Not Using Insulin. June 6, 2026. Accessed June 11, 2026. https://investors.dexcom.com/news/news-details/2026/Dexcom-CONNECT-Study-The-Most-Significant-Clinical-Study-Demonstrating-CGM-Benefits-for-People-with-Type-2-Diabetes-Not-Using-Insulin/default.aspx

2. Bajaj HS, Welch M, Shah P, et al. Efficacy and safety of retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptor agonist, in people with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control with diet and exercise (TRANSCEND-T2D-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet. Published online June 6, 2026. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00967-0

3. Livingston R. TRIUMPH-1: Retatrutide Substantially Lowers Weight, BMI in Patients With Obesity or Overweight. HCPLive. June 6, 2026. Accessed June 11, 2026. https://www.hcplive.com/view/triumph-1-retatrutide-substantially-lowers-weight-bmi-in-patients-with-obesity-or-overweight