The 19th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD 2026) took place at the CCIB in Barcelona from 11–14 March, gathering over 5,300 participants both in-person and online. The conference showcased the latest innovations in diabetes care and connected endocrinologists, diabetes care providers, researchers and industry professionals from around the world to drive forward the future of diabetes treatment.
A Global Meeting Shaping the Future of Diabetes Treatment
At ATTD 2026, more than 30 innovative start-ups participated in the International Fair of New Technologies in Diabetes, showcasing breakthrough solutions in medications, prevention and technology that are redefining patient care. The conference offered early-stage companies valuable exposure and support, awarding grants of €2,500 to 13 start-ups and providing them with unique opportunities to connect with investors and healthcare professionals, accelerating the future of diabetes management.
“Our mission at ATTD was simple: to bring the most advanced technologies and treatments in diabetes from innovation to implementation,” said Prof. Moshe Phillip, Conference Co-Chair. “What made ATTD different was that we didn’t just discuss research, we connected clinicians, data scientists, industry leaders and regulators in one room to move ideas into real-world care. ATTD was where technology met practice, and where the future of diabetes management became tangible.”
Highlighting global collaboration, ATTD brings together scientists, clinicians and regulatory bodies, creating an unparalleled environment for knowledge exchange.
“Our scientific programme covers a wide range of innovative topics, from early glucose tolerance abnormalities to novel insulin therapies like semaglutide and tirzepatide,” said Prof. Tadej Battelino, Co-Chair of ATTD 2026. “Our focus on therapies and their real-world applications ensures that attendees leave with practical, actionable insights to improve patient care.”
ATTD Yearbook: Highlights and Achievements of the Last Year
The 17th Yearbook on Advanced Technologies & Treatments in Diabetes (ATTD 2025 Yearbook), published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., a subsidiary of Sage, was presented on stage during the ATTD 2026 conference on Friday 13 March.
The ATTD Yearbook stands as a staple of the conference and one of its most prominent legacies. It is a selection of the most relevant published data between July 2024 and June 2025 on diabetes technology, offering a critical review of the most important articles selected by key opinion leaders.
Igniting Start-ups in the Diabetes Field
ATTD Ignite opened the conference, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and healthcare professionals for a morning dedicated to building and scaling diabetes solutions that respond to real patient needs.
“Initiatives like ATTD Ignite matter because they put founders in the same room as the clinicians, researchers and patients who live with these conditions,” said John Sjölund, Co-Founder & CEO of Luna Diabetes. “Patient-led thinking doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It needs a community like this to take root.”
Greta Ehlers, Partnerships & Innovation Lead at Diabetes Center Bern, emphasised the value of structured formats that connect emerging companies with decision-makers:
“ATTD Ignite gives start-ups a fast track to the right people: clinicians, people with diabetes, investors and industry, all in one place. It turns visibility, feedback and pitch formats like the Tech Tank into real chances to refine ideas and unlock partnerships.”
ATTD Ignite was created to address a persistent challenge for healthtech start-ups: access to clinical insight, meaningful feedback and capital conversations, in a setting where solutions can be tested against patient realities and clinical workflows.
“Unlike most conferences where you’re speaking primarily to industry peers, ATTD Ignite brings together researchers, clinicians and individuals living with diabetes in the same room. That diversity of perspective is rare and invaluable,” said Yuta Matsuda, Co-Founder & CEO of T1D Scout, which participated in the 2025 Diabetes Tech Tank.
Following their participation, the company gained a new advisor and a collaborative research opportunity that directly advanced their work. Over the past year, they also raised a $2.5M seed round and secured a $1M research grant.
“Events such as ATTD Ignite turn isolated efforts into shared momentum, providing the insights and relationships that move ideas from concept to real-world impact,” added Ehlers.
“Shared goals, different methods, zero placeholders. That’s how we turn lab dreams into reality, not by hoping it improves on its own,” said Fredrik Debong, Founder & Partner, 1921.vc.
Speakers also shared practical takeaways for founders on how to stress-test product assumptions and sharpen go-to-market strategies.
“Start with the patient, not the technology,” added Sjölund. “If attendees leave with one thing, let it be that.”
ATTD Breakthrough Outcomes Award
The 19th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD 2026) selected Professor Chantal Mathieu as the recipient of the ATTD 2026 Breakthrough Outcomes Award, supported by Eli Lilly and Company.
Professor Mathieu was honoured for sustained leadership in advancing evidence-based care for people living with Type 2 diabetes, alongside major contributions that have helped set standards for clinical practice internationally. Her work has shaped global diabetes care through influential guideline development and a strong commitment to translating best practices into routine clinical settings.
Professor Mathieu was recognised during the ATTD 2026 Award Ceremony in Barcelona with a prize valued at €13,000, including conference registration, accommodation and travel expenses.
