The Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit at Cruces University Hospital has developed a therapeutic education program for people with type 1 diabetes using automated insulin delivery systems, aiming to improve disease control. This technology combines an insulin pump, a glucose sensor, and an algorithm that automatically adjusts insulin delivery.
Currently, the unit monitors around 150 people using these devices, with approximately 45 new patients joining the program in the last year. The initiative supports patients from the weeks prior to starting treatment through their first year of follow-up, facilitating the safe and effective integration of these tools into their daily lives.
Amaya Hidalgo, the unit's supervisor, explains: "These technologies represent a significant advancement in diabetes treatment, but they require a learning and adaptation process. Therapeutic education is crucial for patients to use them safely and harness their full potential."
The program establishes a structured training and care pathway, including regular nursing and endocrinology consultations to review device usage, address queries, and optimize outcomes. The goal is for each individual to acquire the necessary skills to manage their condition with autonomy and confidence.
To mark World Diabetes Day, this initiative highlights the importance of therapeutic education and active patient participation in diabetes management. In Euskadi, diabetes affects 7.78% of the population, with around 13,000 new cases detected annually.
