We take a look at some of the exciting diabetes research developments announced in January 2026, and what the findings could mean for people living with or affected by diabetes.
In this month's article:
- Beta cell therapy: Finding ways to help cells survive
- Weight stigma linked to poorer health in people with diabetes
- Identifying people at risk of type 2 using small molecules in the blood
Beta cell therapy: Finding ways to help cells survive
Researchers have tested a new implant designed to help lab-made insulin-producing beta cells survive in the body. This marks a potential step forward for beta cell replacement therapies.
Beta cell therapies aim to provide people with type 1 diabetes with new beta cells so they can make their own insulin again. But protecting new beta cells from the body’s immune system remains a major challenge.
One strategy scientists are exploring is beta cell encapsulation, where beta cells are placed inside a protective device before being transplanted. The device aims to shield the beta cells from the immune system. But research in this area has hit roadblocks.
In previous studies, the body has treated implanted devices as foreign objects. In response, thick scar‑like tissue forms around the device. This can block essential oxygen and nutrients from reaching inside, causing transplanted cells to become starved and die.
Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, Diabetes UK is supporting similar research to protect, replace and restore beta cells. This work is helping to speed up progress toward better treatments and, one day, a cure.
Weight stigma linked to poorer health in people with diabetes
New research found that experiencing weight stigma can have a real impact on both mental and physical health for people living with diabetes, underlining the urgent need to tackle judgement and blame around body weight.
The study followed 833 adults aged 50 and over with diabetes who were taking part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Researchers looked at whether people who felt discriminated because of their weight went on to experience changes in mood and health over time.
They found that people who reported experiencing weight stigma were more likely to have higher levels of depressive symptoms two years later. They also showed changes in several blood markers linked to heart disease risk.
Importantly, these effects were specific to weight stigma, rather than experiences of discrimination in general. This suggests that stigma linked to body weight can have a unique and harmful influence on health for people with diabetes.
While some effects lessened over longer follow-up, the findings reinforce a vital message: stigma can cause harm to both mental and physical health.
We’re determined to challenge negative attitudes and misconceptions about weight and diabetes, so everyone living with diabetes feels supported to live well with their condition.
This study was published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine.
Identifying people at risk of type 2 using small molecules in the blood
Researchers have pinpointed a spectrum of 235 small molecules in the blood which are linked to a person's risk of type 2 diabetes.
Previous research has identified over 100 small molecules that play a role in type 2 risk. But we don’t know enough about these molecules – and how they come together with factors like genes or diet – to influence our chances of developing type 2.
In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers in America analysed 469 small molecules in the blood of more than 23,000 people who did not have diabetes. They also examined data on people’s genes, physical activity, obesity, and diet.
The study followed the individuals for 26 years. During this time, 4,000 people developed type 2 diabetes.
By looking in their blood, the researchers found:
- 235 small molecules – including 67 new ones – linked to type 2 diabetes risk. These links held up even when other risk factors, like people’s Body Mass Indexes or socioeconomic backgrounds, were considered;
- that many small molecules were connected to genes controlling key processes involved in type 2, like insulin resistance;
- that factors like physical activity, obesity, and diet changed some of the small molecules. This may help explain why these factors contribute to type 2 risk.
The researchers identified a specific patten of 44 small molecules which predicted people’s type 2 risk better than other risk factors (like age or blood sugar levels).
In future, this chemical ‘signature’ of small molecules could be used by doctors to identify people at high risk of type 2. This could inform tailored prevention methods that target the specific type 2-linked biological processes involving these small molecules.
Next, researchers need to explore how diet, physical activity – and other factors – impact small diabetes-linked molecules and type 2 risk in people from diverse backgrounds.
