Type 2 Diabetes Clinical Trials in the UK (2026)
Type 2 diabetes affects over 5 million people in the UK and is one of the most active areas of metabolic research. The landscape has been transformed by GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, and clinical trials continue to explore new treatments, combination therapies, and approaches to diabetes remission. This guide covers the types of type 2 diabetes trials currently recruiting in the UK.
Current Areas of Research
Beyond semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), trials are testing next-generation GLP-1/GIP dual agonists, triple agonists (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon), and oral GLP-1 formulations that could replace injections.
Trials testing SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin) in combination with other agents for cardiovascular and kidney protection in diabetic patients with early-stage complications.
Building on the DiRECT trial, new studies test very low-calorie diets, intensive lifestyle interventions, and metabolic surgery approaches to achieve sustained type 2 diabetes remission.
Trials evaluating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for type 2 diabetes, AI-powered insulin dosing, digital therapeutics for lifestyle management, and closed-loop systems for insulin-treated patients.
Who Can Take Part?
Eligibility for type 2 diabetes trials depends on the specific study but commonly includes:
- A confirmed type 2 diabetes diagnosis (HbA1c threshold, typically 7.0-10.0%)
- Specific treatment history — some trials require patients on metformin alone, others want patients already on injectable therapy
- Body mass index (BMI) range — particularly for GLP-1 and weight-loss focused trials
- Kidney function (eGFR) — important for SGLT2 and some combination therapy trials
- Cardiovascular history — some trials specifically recruit patients with established heart disease
- Age range — most trials accept adults 18-80, some focus on specific age groups
Trial Types by Treatment Stage
- Newly diagnosed — Trials comparing first-line treatments, testing early intensive therapy, or diabetes remission approaches
- Established T2D (on metformin) — Add-on therapy trials testing GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, or novel agents
- Insulin-treated — Trials testing new insulin formulations, basal-bolus regimens, or technology-assisted dosing
- With complications — Trials focused on diabetic kidney disease, cardiovascular outcomes, or neuropathy
Note: Type 2 diabetes trials are widely available across the UK through both NHS trusts and private research centres. Unlike oncology trials, many diabetes trials accept patients who have not tried many prior treatments. Use our Smart Matcher to find trials based on your current medications and HbA1c level.
UK Trial Locations
Type 2 diabetes trials run across the UK, including:
- London — King's College Hospital, Imperial College, Barts Health
- Manchester — Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
- Leeds — Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Glasgow — NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
- Edinburgh — NHS Lothian
- Nottingham — Nottingham University Hospitals
What Participation Involves
- Regular blood tests to monitor HbA1c, kidney function, and safety markers
- Possible continuous glucose monitoring for the trial duration
- Regular clinic visits (typically monthly or bi-monthly)
- Trial medication provided free of charge
- Access to a dedicated diabetes research nurse
- Reimbursement for travel expenses to trial visits
Find Your Matching Trials
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