For many Australians living with type 1 diabetes, insulin management has moved beyond a syringe. Wearable sensors, smart pumps, and hybrid closed-loop systems are reshaping what glycaemic control looks like, and what it takes to support it.
As these technologies become increasingly prevalent across hospital and ambulatory settings, hospital pharmacy teams play a critical role in supporting safe, effective use - particularly during transitions of care, inpatient admissions, and medication review.
This session unpacks the essentials: the key metrics that define good control, the technology available and how it works, and what it means for pharmacists to be equipped to guide patients through it. Through case-based discussion and practical demonstrations, this session will bridge the gap between theory and practice - empowering pharmacists to integrate diabetes technologies into routine clinical care and optimise outcomes for patients living with diabetes.
This presentation will address the following learning objectives:
- Recognise commonly used CGM systems and insulin pumps and their relevance to inpatient care including limitations, and availability on the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)
- Explain how continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps work, including basal rate delivery, bolus dosing, and sensor-augmented and hybrid closed-loop systems
- Interpret CGM data in the context of acute illness and describe key metrics used to evaluate glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes, including HbA1c, time in range, time below range, and insulin sensitivity factor and medication management decisions
- Identify and manage risks associated with insulin pumps and CGM use during hospital admission (e.g. procedures, fasting, altered mental status)
- Apply practical strategies for medication reconciliation, documentation, and safe transition of care for patients using diabetes technologies
- Provide targeted, hospital-relevant patient education to support safe device use during and after admission, understanding the role of the credentialled diabetes educator and the value of pharmacists pursuing this qualification