The initiative guides patients from the weeks leading up to treatment through their first full year of use.
Currently, about 150 people use these devices under the unit’s supervision, with roughly 45 patients joining the program over the past year. The multidisciplinary team consists of four diabetes nurse educators and three endocrinologists who manage the training sessions.
The program arrives as the Basque region prepares for World Diabetes Day on November 14. Diabetes mellitus affects 7.78% of the Basque population, with roughly 13,000 new cases detected annually.
“Estas tecnologías han supuesto un importante avance en el tratamiento de la diabetes, pero requieren un proceso de aprendizaje y adaptación. La educación terapéutica es fundamental para que las y los pacientes puedan utilizarlas con seguridad y aprovechar todo su potencial,” said Amaya Hidalgo, unit supervisor.
These setups integrate continuous glucose monitors with infusion pumps to automate baseline dosing.
The educational itinerary begins before implantation with nurse-led sessions covering device mechanics and sensor data interpretation. Participants then complete practical sessions on device configuration and digital tool integration.
Once therapy starts, the program mandates a 12-month structured follow-up schedule. Patients attend periodic nursing and endocrinology consultations to review data, resolve technical questions, and optimize glycemic outcomes.
“El objetivo es que cada persona adquiera las competencias necesarias para gestionar su enfermedad con autonomía y confianza, comprendiendo cómo funciona la tecnología y cómo utilizarla en situaciones de la vida diaria,” Hidalgo said.
The clinical unit evaluates knowledge retention, quality of life, and metabolic indicators throughout the year. This assessment framework aligns with the Basque Health Pact’s objectives on patient empowerment and personalized care.
| Program Metric | Count / Value | Clinical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Active Device Users | ~150 patients | Automated insulin delivery supervision |
| Annual New Enrollments | ~45 patients | First-year structured onboarding |
| Regional Prevalence | 7.78% | Basque population affected by diabetes |
The newly accredited program operates within a broader regional diabetes strategy across the Basque health service. Hundreds of patients participate in peer-led “Cuidando mi diabetes” workshops and utilize online modules via Osasun Eskola.
- La Unidad de Endocrinología y Nutrición del Hospital Universitario Cruces de Osakidetza desarrolla un programa de educación terapéutica dirigido a personas con diabetes tipo 1 que inician tratamiento con sistemas automatizados de administración de insulina.
