Variation in Insulin Pump Options Creates Opportunity for Pharmacist Counseling | ASHP Midyear 2025

Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, otherwise known as smart pumps, have revolutionized the way diabetes is managed. With more than 5 pumps and 5 different algorithms available that accompany AID platforms, pharmacists are using their medication, patient communication, and medical device expertise to assist patients in need of smart pump use.

“We have 6 insulin pumps that are part of AID systems, and we have 5 different algorithms,” Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, director of education and training in diabetes technology at the Cleveland Clinic, told Drug Topics. “We also have 2 patch pumps that are not ‘smart pumps,’ but they offer a simple way to be able to bolus without having to take out a pen or a vial and insulin each time."

In part 1 of our interview with Isaacs, Drug Topics caught up with her at the 2025 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition to explore current smart pump options as well as the pharmacist’s role in managing them. As technology makes health care delivery increasingly more convenient—and in some cases more difficult—pharmacists are too keeping up with the digital age and finding new ways to provide care for patients in their community.

Learn more about Isaacs’ extensive expertise in both the AID and diabetes spaces combined. Furthermore, find out just what types of expert insights that leading thought leaders in health systems across the country had to say as our ASHP Midyear coverage continues.

Be on the lookout for part 2 of our interview with Isaacs, who discussed some common patient safety concerns throughout the use of AID.

READ MORE: ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition

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