Key Takeaways from the AID Consensus for Implementation in Your Clinical Practice

​​​Why Consider Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) for Your Patients? 

AID systems like Omnipod^® 5 and others represent a breakthrough in diabetes management by optimising glycaemic control. Traditional therapy often leaves patients struggling to meet glycaemic targets, with HbA1c levels remaining high despite changes in lifestyle, insulin formulations, or education efforts. As Dr. Pratik Choudhary notes, “T1D is growing, and more people need these tools to manage their diabetes effectively.”¹

AID technology is proven to reduce both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, allowing patients to achieve better glycaemic control with less impact on their quality of life. ¹

Despite strong clinical evidence and updated consensus guidelines, translating this into clinical use has been delayed, leaving many patients who would benefit from AID technology without access. For HCPs, the message is clear -AID systems should be actively recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes to achieve better long-term glycaemic outcomes.¹ But for which patients? And how? 

​​​Patient Prioritisation for AID Use 

The AID Consensus Report emphasises the importance of using AID systems for all individuals with T1D, and most especially for those with suboptimal glycaemic control, problematic hypoglycaemia, or significant glycaemic variability.¹ 

The fact is that AID systems benefit a wide range of patients regardless of diabetes duration, age, or prior insulin delivery modality. That said, those most likely to see the greatest benefits are individuals with greater HbA1c levels or lower time in range (TIR), as well as adolescents and young adults who may find it challenging to maintain consistent glycaemic control with more traditional methods.¹

​​​Practical Considerations for AID Onboarding¹

1. Ensure Patient Education and Set Expectations

Educating your patients about how AID systems work is critical. Many patients assume that AID technology will handle all aspects of their diabetes care without any involvement on their part. As Dr. Revital Nimri notes, “It is important to emphasise that the current systems still require user engagement to optimize outcomes, particularly when bolusing for meals and planning ahead for physical activity”. Setting realistic expectations from the outset will help patients understand the role they still play in managing their diabetes.

2. Equip Yourself and Your Patients for Success with Proper Training

 
Successful onboarding of AID technology requires both you and your and patients to receive structured training. For HCPs, the CARES framework offers a useful approach. It stands for Calculates, Adjust, Reverts, Educate, and Sensor/Share. It is useful for understanding how each AID system calculates insulin delivery, when it reverts manual mode, and how to interpret continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data. In turn, patients need education on core diabetes management principles, including meal bolusing and responding to alarms. Simulation apps and comprehensive pre-AID education programs, such as the PANTHER program, can provide valuable hands-on experience for both HCPs and patients.

Build on Basics to Provide Comprehensive Pre-AID Education 

3. Personalise Pump Settings for Each Patient’s Unique Needs 

One key recommendation from the AID Consensus Report is to base each patient’s initial pump settings on their total daily insulin dose (TDI), with approximately 50% allocated for basal delivery. Dr. Nimri explains that most patients require 10-20% less insulin when transitioning from MDI, and adjustments may be necessary during the first few weeks of AID use.   

4. Ensure Long-Term Success Through Ongoing Follow-Up and Monitoring 

Learning and education doesn’t end when the AID system is initiated. Regular follow-up appointments—initially more frequently in the beginning and then monthly or quarterly after users get comfortable with the technology—are essential for assessing progress and making necessary adjustments to settings. Remote monitoring tools like Glooko® can help you track patient data and offer timely interventions.

​​​The Impact of AID Systems in Real Life with Diabetes^2-5

Effectiveness of AID for People with Type 1 Diabetes

 Controlled clinical trials have proven the efficacy of AID systems, but real-world data bridges the gap between controlled studies and everyday use. AID systems have consistently demonstrated improved outcomes in real-world settings, reinforcing the findings of clinical trials. For example, among almost 70,000 U.S. users of Omnipod 5, the median time in range (TIR) was 68.8% for those using the lowest glucose target of 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L).²

Quality of Life Improvements with AID Systems

Beyond improving glycaemic control, AID systems have been shown to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. In the Omnipod 5 pivotal trials, diabetes distress scores improved across all age groups, while hypoglycaemia confidence increased among adults and caregivers of children.^3-5

The benefits of AID to parents and caregivers can be especially meaningful. Parents of children using AID systems reported improved sleep quality, reduced diabetes distress, and overall better well-being.^3,5