Understanding and starting devices

Prepare people to start a new device and use it safely from the first day. This skill covers how continuous glucose monitors (CGM), insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems work, device setup and training, plus the backup plan every start needs.

This page brings together training checklists, start-up workflows, device trainings and education for getting a start right.

Curated bydanatech Clinical Staff

UpdatedNovember 2026

What this skill covers

How devices work and safe, effective onboarding.

How systems work

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin delivery and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems
Connectivity: apps, receivers and cloud platforms
Data storage, electronic health record (EHR) integration and interoperability

Starting strong

Preparing patients for device start
Teaching insertion, activation and pairing
Explaining alerts, alarms and basic functions

The first weeks

Setting expectations for the first days and weeks
Supporting initial use and building early confidence
Sick-day and device-failure backup planning

Before the person goes home with a new device

Every start leaves with a backup plan.

Build the plan with the Everyday Diabetes Backup Kit tool

A written plan for device failure, including backup insulin and supplies
For pump and AID starts: how to recognize and respond to rising glucose and ketones
Who to contact, and when, during the first weeks

Start here

The three resources we recommend first for this skill. CE/CME credit and end dates are shown where offered; available credit varies by profession.

WebinarLearn1 CE/CME · through Feb 26, 2027

Introduction to Diabetes Technology in Primary Care: Navigating Options and Understanding Best Practices

A primary care starting point: the device landscape, who benefits and how to get a start right.
View webinar
WebinarLearn

Device Training Webinars

The full directory of device trainings: CGMs, insulin pumps, AID systems and smart pens.

Directory mixes accredited education with manufacturer product training. Individual product trainings do not carry CE.
View device trainings
WorkflowApply

Prescription CGM: From Selection to Start

Take a prescription CGM from selection through coverage, ordering and training to the first follow-up, with who does what.
Open prescription CGM workflow

Find tools and resources

Choose a resource based on your clinical question or the setting where you’re providing care. Each is labeled by type and by how you’ll use it: Learn, Practice or Apply.

Clinical Explainer/ArticleLearnUnderstanding AlgorithmsAn interactive primer on how automated insulin delivery (AID) algorithms work.
Clinical ReferenceLearnTech and Medicine Pronunciation GuideHear how to say device and medicine names before teaching or documenting.
Clinical ReferenceLearnDiabetes Tech GlossaryLook up diabetes technology terms and abbreviations.
SimulationPracticeIntroduction to Diabetes Tech SimulationA 15-minute interactive simulation covering diabetes technology basics.
Interactive ToolApplyInsulin Pump Settings ToolPANTHER’s calculator for choosing evidence-supported pump settings.
ComparisonApplyPANTHER AID Device Comparison ChartA cross-device PANTHER reference for AID systems.
ToolkitApplyCGM Program Implementation PlaybookStep-by-step setup of a CGM program, with downloadable worksheets.
ChecklistApplyInfusion Set Teaching ChecklistStructured teaching points for infusion set starts.
Clinical ReferenceApplyInsulin Pump & Infusion Set PlacementsReview body placement options when choosing or rotating pump and infusion sites.
WorkflowApplyAID Initiation WorkflowStep by step through an AID start, with who does what.
ChecklistApplyCGM Training Topic ChecklistTopics to cover when training someone on CGM.
WorkflowApplyOTC CGM: Assess Suitability and Support UseDecide whether an over-the-counter sensor fits an adult who doesn’t use insulin, then support setup and review whether it helps.

More learning and CE

Courses, webinars and certificate programs for this skill, with current CE/CME status. Available credit varies by profession.

Certificate ProgramClinical Advantage Bootcamp: Type 1 Diabetes Management CertificateCertificate covering type 1 diabetes recognition, treatment and technology use.8.25 CE/CMEthrough Nov 30, 2027
WebinarIntroduction to Insulin Pumps and the NEW PANTHER Program Insulin Pump Settings ToolPump basics, basal and bolus settings, U.S. pump models and use of the PANTHER pump settings tool.1 CE/CMEthrough Feb 28, 2027
CourseIntegrating Diabetes Technology into Primary Care Part 2: Interactive Case StudiesInteractive primary-care cases reinforcing technology identification and implementation.1 CE/CMEthrough Sep 18, 2027
WebinarIntroduction to the Basics of Open-Source AID Systems: Loop, Trio and AAPSOverview of how Loop, Trio and AAPS function, system requirements and candidate considerations.1 CE/CMEthrough Sep 17, 2027
WebinarTech in Type 2 Diabetes: Helping You Keep Up - Basics of CGM IntegrationRoundtable on benefits, barriers and practical CGM integration in type 2 diabetes care.No CE
WebinarApplication of AI in Diabetes Care and Technology IntegrationPractical applications of AI for decision-making, care planning and personalization.0.75 CE/CMEthrough Dec 13, 2026
WebinarAutomated Insulin Delivery 101: Core Concepts & Patient SelectionCore AID concepts, evidence-based candidacy and benefits versus multiple daily injections.1 CE/CMEthrough Mar 31, 2028
WebinarPrescribing AID: Documentation, Workflow, and Team RolesRoadmap for prescribing and initiating AID with documentation, workflows and team roles.1 CE/CMEthrough May 27, 2028
WebinarPatient Training & Onboarding for AID Systems: Laying the Groundwork for SuccessPractical AID training, onboarding, workflow and sustained engagement strategies.1 CE/CMEthrough Jun 17, 2028
WebinarTransforming Diabetes Care: The Role of AIGenerative AI and clinical use cases, with HIPAA, accuracy, bias, equity and safety considerations.1 CE/CMEthrough Jul 15, 2027
WebinarHarnessing AI in Diabetes Prevention and Management: Empowering DCESs to Lead the WayAI risk stratification, personalized interventions, screening and CGM analytics.0.75 CE/CMEthrough Aug 8, 2027

Looking for a different starting point? The danatech Compass suggests one from your role, setting and what you’re working on. Try the danatech Compass

Sources and scope

ADA Professional Practice Committee. 7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care 2026;49(Suppl 1).
danatech Diabetes Technology Key Focus Areas framework, revised 2026.

For educational use. Not clinical advice; does not replace clinical judgment, scope of practice, institutional policy or manufacturer instructions.

The Danatech Digest

Join 25,000+ professionals who get our latest diabetes technology updates

DISCLAIMERS: 

This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your diabetes care and education specialist or health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. To find a diabetes care and education specialist near you, visit the ADCES finder tool.

ADCES and danatech curate product specifics and periodically review them for accuracy and relevance. As a result, the information may or may not be the most recent. We recommend visiting the manufacturer's website for the latest details if you have any questions.