Automated Insulin Delivery in Hospitalized Adults with Diabetes May Improve Glycemic Outcomes
New research presented at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions in June 2026 suggests that automated insulin delivery systems, such as the Omnipod 5 with Dexcom G7, significantly improve glycemic control for hospitalized adults with diabetes compared to traditional multiple daily injections. The AIDING trial, involving 130 participants, found that patients using the automated system spent 67.7% of their time within the target glucose range (70–180 mg/dL), compared to 40.8% for those on standard care.
What the Trial Revealed
The study, led by Francisco J. Pasquel, MD, MPH, enrolled adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who required insulin therapy during hospitalization. Participants using the Omnipod 5 system, which integrates with the Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor, achieved higher time-in-range metrics. The automated group also had lower instances of hyperglycemia (glucose >250 mg/dL) and similar hypoglycemia levels compared to the control group receiving multiple daily injections.
Sue Brown, MD, highlighted that hospitalized patients using automated delivery spent an additional 6.6 hours per day in the target glucose range. “This is a significant improvement that mirrors outpatient results,” she said, noting the system’s ability to adjust insulin doses in real time based on glucose data.
Why This Matters
The findings address a critical gap in inpatient diabetes care, where standard basal-bolus insulin therapy has shown limited effectiveness. By automating insulin adjustments, systems like Omnipod 5 and Dexcom G7 could reduce the risk of extreme glucose fluctuations, which are common in hospital settings. The trial also demonstrated a strong safety profile, with no severe hyperglycemic events in the automated group.
However, the study underscores the need for hospital staff training. Pasquel emphasized that implementing such technology requires “a lot of work” to ensure nurses and caregivers are proficient in its use.
What May Happen Next
While the trial’s results are promising, broader adoption depends on overcoming logistical challenges. Hospitals may need to invest in staff education and infrastructure to support automated systems. Future research could explore cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes, as well as strategies to streamline implementation across diverse healthcare settings.
Experts also note that the integration of devices like the Omnipod 5 and Dexcom G7 represents a shift toward personalized, data-driven diabetes management. As technology advances, such systems may become standard in inpatient care, improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary outcome of the AIDING trial? The trial found that patients using automated insulin delivery spent 67.7% of their time within the target glucose range (70–180 mg/dL), compared to 40.8% for those on multiple daily injections.
How did the safety profiles compare between the two groups? Both groups had similar complication rates, but the automated insulin delivery group experienced no severe hyperglycemic events, while 7.7% of the control group had significant hyperglycemia.
What challenges could slow the adoption of automated insulin delivery in hospitals? Key barriers include the need for extensive staff training and the logistical effort required to integrate new technology into existing hospital workflows.
Could automated insulin delivery systems eventually replace traditional methods in all inpatient settings, or will they remain a niche solution? Share your thoughts below.