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Educational reference on how AID systems work, for clinician self-study. Manufacturer-neutral. Not clinical decision support. Not for troubleshooting individual pump settings, dosing decisions or urgent glucose management. Synthetic examples only.
danatech · How AID Thinks
Inside the Algorithm: What It Is — and Isn't

A short fluency builder for healthcare professionals. By the end you should be able to explain, in plain language, what an AID algorithm does, what it can't do and which part of the system does what — and feel readier to discuss it with patients and colleagues.

Curated by
ADCES Clinical Staff
Clinically reviewed by
Amy Hess-Fischel MS, RDN, LDN, BC-ADM, CDCES
Shana Nicholson MSN, RN, CDCES, PCCN
Melanie Teslik RN, MS, BC-ADM, CDCES, CPHQ

Last clinically reviewed: September 2026

Why this is simplified: these are plain-language explanations, not engineering specifications. AID systems vary in how they sense, adapt, dose and accept input — always consult the specific system's prescribing information, training materials and your local protocol for clinical detail. This module builds understanding; it does not direct care.
Start here

A quick baseline

First, two quick optional questions. Which best describes your primary role? (Anonymous — helps us understand who this helps most.)

Do you hold the CDCES credential? (Diabetes Care & Education Specialist — any profession.)

If someone you're caring for asked "so what is this algorithm actually doing in there?" — how ready do you feel to explain it in plain language right now?

Putting it together

Which part does what?

AID combines several components. Knowing what each contributes makes it easier to understand how the system works. Drag each task to the component responsible. (Tap on mobile: tap a task, then tap a component.)

📡
CGM (sensor)
🧠
Algorithm
⚙️
Pump
🧍
Person with diabetes
You made it

Same question as the start

Same question as the start: how ready do you feel to explain, in plain language, what the algorithm is doing?

A summary to keep: the five ideas and which part of the system does what.

See how real systems differ

You've seen that the pump, the algorithm and the CGM are separate pieces. Compare the actual systems on danatech's product comparison tools.

New to AID? Start with the basics →

Educational reference on how AID systems work, for clinician self-study. Manufacturer-neutral. Not clinical decision support. Not for troubleshooting individual pump settings, dosing decisions or urgent glucose management.
Aligned with the ADA Standards of Care and ADA/ADCES language guidance; manufacturer-neutral. See danatech for sources and current device details. © danatech / ADCES.

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Skills Supported

✓ Evaluating and Choosing Tech

✓ Understanding and Starting Devices

✓ Supporting Ongoing Use

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Why This Matters

  • Builds confidence to discuss AID with patients and colleagues
  • Replaces "this is confusing" with "I can explain this"
  • Clarifies what the algorithm does and what it can't do, or what something else does
  • Separates the roles of CGM, algorithm, pump and person

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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.


danatech is made possible thanks to a generous grant from Helmsley Charitable Trust. Additional funding provided by: