- AdventHealth Research Institute
Researchers at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute continue to drive meaningful progress in Type 1 diabetes—work that is being recognized not just in Central Florida, but throughout the national and global research community. This year, our teams have contributed to clinical trials, translational studies, and real-world investigations that are deepening our understanding of T1D and its complications. Our efforts are helping refine treatments, improve patient outcomes, and guide the next generation of therapies and clinical care.
Below is a look at several recent publications from TRI investigators—each one expanding what we know and bringing us closer to better, safer, and more personalized care for people living with Type 1 diabetes.
FINE-ONE: New Hope for CKD & T1D
One of the most significant studies this year is FINE-ONE, a landmark study exploring a potential new therapy for adults with T1D and chronic kidney disease—an area where treatment options remain limited. In this Q&A with Tina Thethi, MD, MPH, we unpack what the findings mean for patients, why this study matters, and how it aligns with TRI’s mission to advance meaningful, real-world care.
👉 Read the Q&A: https://www.adventhealth.com/foundation/adventhealth-foundation-central-florida/blog/fine-one-new-hope-ckd-and-type-1-diabetes
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) & Hypoglycemia Awareness in Older Adults
A fresh look at data from the WISDM Study asked an important question: Can CGM help older adults “feel” their low blood sugars again? Many people with long-standing T1D lose the early warning signs of hypoglycemia, increasing the risk of dangerous lows. This post-hoc analysis found encouraging signs that regular CGM use may help restore some of those warning symptoms, while also reducing severe hypoglycemia events. It’s an early but meaningful insight into how technology can support safety, confidence, and independence in older adults.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40902121/
How Different Diets Impact T1D
A new meta-analysis tackles a question many people living with T1D ask: Which eating patterns truly help with weight management and stable blood sugar? By reviewing multiple clinical trials, researchers identified several evidence-based dietary approaches—not one “perfect diet,” but a set of sustainable patterns shown to improve daily glucose control and long-term health. This study helps cut through mixed messages and gives people clearer, research-backed guidance on how to eat well with Type 1 diabetes
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40795275/
Making Automated Insulin Delivery Smarter & Safer
As automated insulin delivery (AID) systems become more common, understanding their strengths—and their limitations—has never been more important. This expert consensus paper outlines where AID technology excels today and where critical research gaps remain, from algorithm improvement to personalization and long-term safety. The roadmap it provides highlights opportunities that could make future systems more responsive, reliable, and tailored to the unique needs of each individual with T1D.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40590746/
Boosting the Body’s Low-Blood-Sugar Defense
Another recent study explored a promising idea: Could a GPR119 agonist strengthen the glucagon response during hypoglycemia? Because many people with T1D lose their natural defenses against severe lows, improving this response could be a major step forward. This randomized, double-masked crossover trial offers early evidence that activating the GPR119 pathway may help restore that protective mechanism, opening the door to potential new therapies aimed at reducing severe hypoglycemia risk.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40173094/
Recent News
AHRI Investigator Receives Prestigious American Diabetes Association Junior Faculty Development Award
The AdventHealth Translational Research Institute (TRI) is proud to announce that Dr. Justine Mucinski has received an American Diabetes Association (ADA) Junior Faculty Development Award.
Dr. Richard Pratley Featured in Nature Medicine for Breakthrough Obesity Research
Dr. Richard E. Pratley, senior investigator at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute, has been featured as the corresponding author of a newly published study in Nature Medicine, one of...
Dr. Sparks Participates in LIMNA’s 17th Annual Metabolism and Aging Symposium
AdventHealth researcher Dr. Lauren Sparks recently had the honor of participating in LIMNA’s 17th Annual Symposium on “Metabolism and Aging” at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne
Advancing Cancer Research Closer to Home
At AdventHealth, we believe research is not separate from care. We believe the advancements made are what allow us to help our patients feel whole. That commitment is reflected in a new collaboration...
AdventHealth Research Institute Researchers to Present at American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions
AdventHealth Research Institute (AHRI) is proud to have a strong presence at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2026 Scientific Sessions, with multiple investigators and research team members...
Moving More, Managing Better
For people living with type 1 diabetes, managing blood sugar is rarely simple. It’s a daily balancing act involving insulin, food, physical activity, technology and a constant stream of decisions.
New study to examine pairing GLP-1 medication with exercise to reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk
AdventHealth researcher awarded state grant to explore a new prevention approach aimed at protecting memory, independence and quality of life.
The Lessons We Never Expected From Type 1 Diabetes
When a child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), families quickly realize they’re learning much more than carb counting and insulin dosing. They’re learning resilience, advocacy, patience, and...
The Power of Participation
Before new diabetes technologies reach patients… before new treatments improve daily life… before researchers better understand diseases like Type 1 diabetes (T1D)… someone has to volunteer for the...
Bringing Cancer Research Into the Home: Dr. Justin Brown's Approach to Trial Design
Justin Brown, PhD, Associate Investigator at AdventHealth, has dedicated his career to studying how exercise can improve outcomes for cancer patients after losing his father to colon cancer as a...
Exercise as “Powerful Medicine”: Spotlight on AdventHealth Research
Recently, Dr. Bret Goodpaster, scientific director of the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute (TRI), appeared on FOX 35 News to discuss groundbreaking research exploring how exercise impacts...
New Study Points to Promising Way to Protect Kidneys in Type 1 Diabetes
Richard E. Pratley, M.D., senior investigator and diabetes program lead at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute (TRI), served as one of the lead researchers on the international FINE-ONE...