T2D Year in Review: Global Advances and Canadian Innovation
- t2diabetesnetwork
- Oct 21
- 6 min read
Key Highlights:
✅ Oral GLP-1 drugs improve sugar, weight, and heart health.
✅ Canadian Ozempic generic will boost access.
✅ Tirzepatide supports strong blood sugar control and weight loss.
✅ Prediabetes can reverse without weight loss.
✅ AI tools predict risk and guide care.
✅ OTC CGMs offer real-time glucose tracking.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a significant global health challenge, but recent advancements in treatment and management offer new hope for both healthcare providers and patients. This article explores the latest developments in T2D, focusing on 2025 innovations from Canada and around the world, setting the stage for 2026.
Breakthrough Treatments
Orforglipron: A Promising Oral Alternative
Eli Lilly has announced (Oct 15, 2025) promising results from its experimental oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, orforglipron. The oral medication, orforglipron, is intended to replicate the appetite-reducing effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which is also the target of the company’s successful injectable drug tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound.
In late-stage clinical trials, orforglipron demonstrated superior blood sugar control and weight loss compared to existing treatments (metformin). Patients taking the highest dose of orforglipron experienced an average A1C reduction of 2.1% and a 10.5% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks. These results position orforglipron as a potential game-changer in T2D management. Lilly plans to submit orforglipron for the treatment of T2D to global regulatory agencies in 2026, while submission for obesity treatment is set to occur by the end of 2025.
Rybelsus: Expanding Cardiovascular Benefits
Novo Nordisk's oral GLP-1 medication, Rybelsus, has received approval from the European Medicines Agency to include cardiovascular benefits in its label. Clinical trials have shown a 14% reduction in cardiovascular deaths, heart attacks, and strokes among patients with T2D taking Rybelsus. This approval makes Rybelsus the first GLP-1 drug - a naturally occurring gut hormone that regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite - available in the EU for T2D with demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, potentially paving the way for FDA approval in the U.S. later in 2025.
Generic Ozempic: Making Treatment More Accessible
Toronto-based Vimy Pharma is preparing to produce a Canadian-made generic version of Ozempic, aiming to make this widely used diabetes medication more affordable and accessible. Founded by former Novo Nordisk Canada executives Dave Suchon and Farris Smith, the company plans to launch the generic as the patent for Ozempic nears expiration.
Ozempic, and its related drug Wegovy, contain semaglutide, which helps regulate blood sugar, support weight loss, and improve cardiovascular health. Nearly one million Canadians currently use these medications, and Vimy Pharma expects access to expand significantly once a generic is available. The company will manufacture the drug in partnership with Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation in Edmonton, with funding from Canadian investors, reflecting a new chapter in Canada’s long history of diabetes innovation.
Dual-Incretin Receptor Agonists: Enhancing Glycemic Control and Weight Loss
Recent developments in diabetes management have introduced dual-incretin receptor agonists, such as tirzepatide, which combine GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonism. This combination results in increased insulin secretion, decreased glucagon release, and significant weight loss, offering a promising approach for enhancing treatment outcomes in T2D patients.
A recent Phase 3 trial (published Oct 2025) demonstrated that tirzepatide reduced A1C by an average of 2.2% in children and adolescents with T2D, highlighting its potential across various age groups. Additionally, the trial reported a 7.4% reduction in BMI among participants, with 79% achieving A1C levels below 6.5% and 53% reaching levels below 5.7%, indicating remission or prediabetes levels. These findings could support tirzepatide as a potential safe and efficacious treatment option for youth-onset T2D.
Once-Monthly Anti-Obesity Medication: Potential Benefits for T2D Patients
A novel, dual-action anti-obesity medication, maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide), has shown effectiveness with once-monthly dosing in reducing weight in patients with obesity, including those with T2D.
In an Amgen led Phase II clinical trial, participants experienced up to 17% average weight loss and significant improvements in HbA1c levels over 52 weeks. This less frequent dosing schedule may improve patient adherence to treatment regimens. The trial demonstrated that MariTide led to substantial weight loss without a plateau, indicating the potential for further weight loss beyond 52 weeks. Additionally, participants with T2D achieved up to 2.2 percentage points reduction in HbA1c, highlighting the medication's efficacy in managing blood glucose levels.
AI Advancements
Machine Learning Framework for Therapeutic Target Discovery
A novel machine learning framework integrating predictive modeling with gene-agnostic pathway mapping has been introduced to identify high-risk individuals and uncover potential therapeutic targets for T2D. This approach provides mechanistic insights without requiring direct molecular data, advancing precision medicine in diabetes care. The framework employs logistic regression and t-tests to identify critical predictors such as pregnancies, glucose levels, skin thickness, insulin, BMI, and diabetes pedigree function.
When this model was used to identify key predictors of T2DM, it yielded an overall model accuracy of 78.43%.By mapping clinical predictors to biological pathways, the framework offers a comprehensive understanding of T2D pathogenesis and potential intervention points.
Predicting Mortality Risk in T2D Patients Using AI Models
Researchers have developed an explainable artificial intelligence model that can predict the risk of death in people with type 2 diabetes over time. They studied 554 adults with diabetes for up to 17 years, tracking who survived and who did not. The model uses ten key health factors (like age, blood sugar, body weight, and other clinical measures) to estimate a person’s risk.
What makes this model special is that it’s “explainable”- it doesn’t just give a number, it shows which factors are contributing most to a person’s risk. This can help doctors understand why a patient might be at higher risk and adjust treatments or interventions accordingly. The model was very accurate, especially for predicting 5- to 15-year outcomes, and could eventually be used at the bedside to help guide personalized care for people with T2D.
Lifestyle Research
Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Prediabetes Without Weight Loss
A recent study from the German Center for Diabetes Research (Sept 2025) shows that people with prediabetes can return their blood sugar to normal levels and lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes - even without losing weight. In the study, about 22% of participants who didn’t lose weight during a one-year lifestyle program still achieved normal glucose levels, and over a ten-year follow-up, they had a 71% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those who stayed prediabetic.
The researchers found that the key difference wasn’t overall weight, but where the body stored fat. People who went into remission stored more subcutaneous fat (under the skin), while those who didn’t remission accumulated harmful visceral (abdominal) fat. Remission was also linked to better insulin sensitivity, improved pancreatic function, and stronger responses to the hormone GLP-1. These findings suggest that focusing on normalizing blood sugar and metabolic health - not just weight loss - can be a highly effective strategy for preventing T2D. So don't focus too much on the scale - focus on the small daily changes that can lead to improved health in the long term.
Product News
Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitoring Becomes More Accessible
Abbott's Lingo, an over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM), is now available in over 3,500 Walmart locations across the United States (Oct 2025). This marks a significant step in making advanced health technology more accessible to the general public. Previously, Lingo was only available through select online platforms. The device allows individuals to monitor their glucose levels non-invasively, providing real-time insights into their metabolic health. This development is particularly beneficial for individuals with T2D or those at risk, as it enables more proactive management of their condition without the need for prescriptions or insurance coverage.
In Canada, while Abbott's FreeStyle Libre series of CGMs are widely available and covered by most provincial health plans for individuals with diabetes, the Lingo device is not yet approved for sale. Currently, Canadian consumers can purchase the Lingo biosensor directly from Abbott's official website, but it is only compatible with iPhones and is not reimbursed by insurance. This means that, unlike in the U.S., Canadians must pay out-of-pocket for the device, and its use is limited to those who have access to compatible technology. Additionally, the Lingo app is not yet available for Android devices in Canada.
The introduction of Lingo in the U.S. highlights a growing trend towards consumer-accessible health technology. However, for Canadian consumers, the availability and accessibility of such devices remain limited. As the demand for non-invasive glucose monitoring tools increases, it is hoped that regulatory bodies in Canada will consider expanding access to devices like Lingo to support individuals in managing their metabolic health more effectively.
A New Era in T2D Care
The landscape of type 2 diabetes management is rapidly evolving, with innovations spanning medications, digital health tools, AI-driven models, and lifestyle interventions. From oral GLP-1 agonists and dual-incretin therapies to machine learning frameworks that personalize treatment, these advances are providing healthcare providers with more precise and effective ways to manage T2D.
At the same time, research shows that even small, targeted lifestyle changes - such as improving blood sugar regulation without necessarily losing weight - can significantly reduce the risk of progression from prediabetes to diabetes. For patients, accessible technologies like continuous glucose monitors empower daily self-management, offering actionable insights and greater control over their health. Together, these developments signal a shift toward personalized, proactive, and accessible care, where both clinicians and individuals can make informed decisions that improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for those living with T2D.
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