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Transforming Diabetes Care in Wales National Networking Forum

Transforming Diabetes Care in Wales National Networking Forum
Leonardo Hotel Cardiff, 5 CPD hours
Tue 16 Jun 2026

National priorities and technology advances for type 1 and type 2 diabetes


This inspiring and motivating NHS educational forum brought together diabetes healthcare professionals from across Wales to connect, collaborate and learn from one another’s experiences. Through expert-led presentations, interactive workshops and dedicated industry partner showcases, the event highlighted national priorities, emerging technologies and the practical service developments shaping the future of diabetes care.


This event was launched following the success of our national networking forums held across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland over the previous 12 years, providing a valuable opportunity for attendees to share best practice, benchmark services and strengthen professional networks across Wales.


Sponsored by:    

                  

Build knowledge and confidence through expert discussion

This carefully designed forum was designed to enhance your clinical skills and provide you with practical, actionable strategies to advance diabetes care across Wales. Alongside engaging presentations, attendees had the opportunity to select two of the following interactive, case-based workshops:


1 Managing diabetes in pregnancy: advances and best practice

OR

2 Improving quality of care for frailty and diabetes


3 Effectively caring for patients with type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 RA based therapy

OR

4 Enhancing outcomes for children with type 1 diabetes

CPD learning

Developing practical skills, confidence and strategies to support better diabetes outcomes


Designed as a practical learning experience, this dedicated training equipped the participants with the knowledge, tools and strategies to drive meaningful change.


Attendees came together to meet like-minded professionals from across the country, align their practice with Welsh priorities for diabetes care and strengthen their knowledge of current developments in the field. Key learning outcomes included gaining confidence with Hybrid Closed Loop systems, maximising the use of CGM to improve diabetes care, understanding the psychological aspects of Type 1 diabetes, and developing an action plan to improve outcomes for people with early-onset Type 2 diabetes.

With thanks to the sponsors

SBK Healthcare would like to thank Abbott, Insulet, maker of Omnipod, mylife Diabetes Care, Medtrum and Tandem Diabetes Care for sponsoring this unique forum. 

With thanks to our exhibitor

SBK would also like to thank Menarini Diagnostics for exhibiting.

Supported by


8:30
Registration, networking and refreshments
9:00
Chair’s opening remarks
Dr Sarah Davies, Clinical Director for Diabetes in Primary Care, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board /Clinical Lead for Primary Care, National Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes and Julie Lewis, Clinical Lead for Diabetes, North Wales Health Board Clinical Lead for Diabetes / Nurse Consultant in Primary Care, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board / Lead Nurse, National Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes
National Update
9:10
Exploring the national diabetes priorities in Wales
  • Integrating community and specialist diabetes
  • Understanding key technology developments and implementation plans
  • Integrating community diabetes services and improving collaboration between primary/secondary care to ensure continuity of care
Dr Sarah Davies, GP Partner Woodlands Medical Centre, Cardiff and Wales Primary Care lead for diabetes, Dr Julia Platts, National Clinical Lead for Wales, National Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Joanne Oliver, Diabetes Network Manager, NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
9:25
Questions and answers with your speaker
9:35
Optimisation of Hybrid Closed Loop systems: national implementation, developing the workforce and supporting patients
  • Progress and timelines for HCL rollout across the Welsh Health Boards
  • Service development models to support sustainable implementation: Upskilling the diabetes workforce to have the confidence to support technology expansion
  • Structured education and support for patients and carers to enhance adherence, self-management, and device troubleshooting
  • Understanding HCL data to improve outcomes
Dr Julia Platts, National Clinical Lead for Wales, National Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
10:00
Questions and answers with Julia Platts
10:10
Interactive discussion: What makes a successful pre-pump pathway?
  • What conversations have the biggest impact when helping patients decide whether pump therapy is right for them?
  • Where do you see patients struggling most on the journey to accessing diabetes technology, and how have you addressed this?
  • Looking back on your own service, what changes have made the greatest difference to patient confidence, engagement and outcomes?
10:40
Industry partners’ showcase rotations: Discover the latest products and solutions in diabetes care
11:20
Networking break
Enhancing CGM for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
11:40
Maximising CGM for improved diabetes management and outcomes
  • Optimising CGM use for people with diabetes: exploring practical approaches to integrate monitoring into routine care
  • Addressing inequalities in care: reducing disparities and ensuring equitable access to technology and interventions
  • Supporting neurodiverse patients to meet sensory and learning needs
Sian Bodman, Senior Nurse for Diabetes, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
12:05
Questions and answers with Sian Bodman
12:15
Industry partners’ showcase rotations: Discover the latest products and solutions in diabetes care
12:45
Lunch and networking break
Enhancing your practice with expert led workshops
Workshop 1 & 2
1:45
Workshop 1: Managing diabetes in pregnancy: advances and best practice
  • Optimising preconception and antenatal care: early screening, diagnosis, and risk identification to reduce perinatal complications
  • Implementing care bundles for consistent, high-quality pregnancy support
  • Exploring latest HCL systems, CGM benchmarking to manage glycaemia effectively before and during pregnancy
Anurag Pinto, Lead Obstetrician and Adele Baker, Specialist Lead Midwife for Diabetes, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Workshop 2: Improving quality of care for frailty and diabetes
  • Individualised care planning: tailoring glycaemic targets based on frailty status
  • Medication review and optimisation: integrating GLP-1 RA based therapies and SGLT2s
  • Multidisciplinary and community care approaches
  • Supporting older patients with use of technology
Julie Lewis, Clinical Lead for Diabetes, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board
Workshop 3 & 4
2:30
Workshop 3: Effectively caring for patients with type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 RA based therapy
  • Current guidance on GLP-1 use in type 2 diabetes
  • Recognising and managing potential side effects
  • Discontinuation planning and follow-up
  • Understanding how CGM contributes to effective treatment plans for patients on GLP 1s
Dr Thinzar Min, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, Swansea Bay University Health Board
Workshop 4: Enhancing outcomes for children with type 1 Diabetes
  • Helping patients and families use reliable resources to confidently manage type 1 diabetes in daily life.
  • Empowering parents and carers to support use of HCL for effective daily diabetes care
  • Recognising paediatric and adolescent emotional support needs
Lisa Daniels, Paediatric Diabetes Education Lead, NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
3:10
Networking break
Improving psychological support for diabetes
3:30
How to support your patients psychologically with their diabetes management
  • Psychological issues in people living with diabetes
  • DAISY- planning the next ten years of diabetes psychology care in Wales
  • Essential psychological knowledge for diabetes staff
Dr Rose Stewart, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board /Psychology Clinical Lead for Wales, National Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes
Reducing complications in type 2 diabetes care
3:55
Early onset type 2 diabetes: screening, management and achieving remission
  • Latest NICE guidance updates for type 2 diabetes
  • Early identification and screening to reduce long term complications
  • Adopting remission strategies for optimal outcomes
  • Implementing structured education in type 2 diabetes
Donna Sutton, Lead Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
4:20
Questions and answers with your speakers
4:30
Close of day

Your expert speakers

This inspiring NHS educational forum brought together diabetes healthcare professionals from across Wales to connect, collaborate and learn from each other’s experiences. Speakers included:

Dr Sarah Davies

Clinical Director for Diabetes in Primary Care, National Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes and Clinical Lead for Primary Care, National Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Biography

Julie Lewis

Clinical Lead for Diabetes, North Wales Health Board Clinical Lead for Diabetes and Nurse Consultant in Primary Care
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Biography

Dr Julia Platts

National Clinical Lead for Wales, National Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Biography

Donna Sutton

Lead Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Biography

Lisa Daniels

National Paediatric Diabetes Education Lead
NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
Biography

Dr Rose Stewart

Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Psychology Clinical Lead for Wales, National Strategic Clinical Network for Diabetes
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Biography

Dr Thinzar Min

Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology
Swansea Bay University Health Board
Biography

Anurag Pinto

Lead Obstetrician
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Biography

Sian Bodman

Senior Nurse for Diabetes
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Biography

Adele Baker

Specialist Lead Midwife for Diabetes
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Biography

Joanne Oliver

Diabetes Network Manager,
NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
Biography

Who came?

SBK Healthcare have been delivering Diabetes National Networking Forums in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland since 2011 with thousands of healthcare professionals benefitting from quality education, national updates and vital networking.


This conference, which took place for the first time in Wales, was designed to respond to local diabetes updates, developments and specific opportunities and was tailored for:

  • Specialist Nurses 
  • Dietitians
  • Consultants
  • Diabetes Specialists 
  • Midwives 
  • Registrars 
  • Professors 
  • GPs
  • Practice Nurses
  • Pharmacists 
  • Psychologists 

Attendee feedback

Packed with insightful information and unique networking opportunities, here is just some of the feedback that we have received across our 2025 conferences: 

"Very interesting and informative. Important to have this knowledge and skills in the current climate of increased technology use in diabetes."
- Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Optimising Diabetes Technology in Pregnancy National Networking Forum 2025
"Very informative, very useful that all information is available to be downloaded. Exceedingly knowledgeable speakers."
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, EXTOD Healthcare Professionals Regional Conference 2025
"Well-organised programme and thoughtfully structured featuring an excellent selection of speakers and a beautiful venue."
- Barwell & Hollycroft Medical Centres, Type 2 Diabetes Management Guide for Primary Care 2025
"Excellent content. All companies in one place. Lots of good learning to take back to my area and share with colleagues."
- Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust, Optimising Hybrid Closed Loop Systems: Training Workshops - Sheffield 2025
"Excellent talks. It is great to link up and see what other centres are offering"
- The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Northern Ireland Diabetes Development Online Forum 2025
"Very informative. I really enjoyed the discussions with the colleagues at my table"
- NHS Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin, Diabetes National Networking Forum Leicester 2025

Confirmed sponsors


Abbott’s Diabetes Care Division is committed to helping people manage their diabetes and achieve their best health outcomes with innovative technology, such as the FreeStyle Libre 2 system.




Medtrum is a company dedicated to simplifying the management of diabetes. We develop and deliver medical devices that aim to meet the needs of people with diabetes, create tools to support healthcare professionals whilst exploring the frontiers in artificial pancreas research.



Tandem Diabetes Care creates new possibilities for people living with diabetes, their loved ones, and their healthcare providers through a positively different experience. The t:slim X2 insulin pump from Tandem Diabetes Care is powered by Control-IQ technology. Offering a choice of Dexcom G6 / G7 sensors.


Insulet Corporation, is an innovative medical device company dedicated to simplifying life for people with diabetes. The Omnipod DASH® System and Omnipod 5® Automated Insulin Delivery System, are alternatives to traditional insulin delivery. With its simple, tubeless and waterproof* design, the Pod provides up to 3 days of continuous insulin delivery. 

*The Pod has a waterproof IP28 rating for up to 7.6 m for 60 min




mylife Loop is an automated insulin delivery system that runs from your smartphone, linking the mylife YpsoPump insulin pump, the mylife CamAPS FX algorithm and the choice of either the Dexcom G6 or FreeStyle Libre 3 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System.


Confirmed exhibitor

Why sponsor this Diabetes Forum

Our role at SBK Healthcare is to bring industry together with healthcare professionals so that you can educate and inform your audience. 2026's trail-blazing diabetes delivery forums offer dedicated presentation, Q&A, networking and discussion time. Each sponsor will be fully immersed into the event and able to effectively engage with your NHS audience.


By sponsoring this National Networking Forum, the focus on your organisation, product or service will be built seamlessly into the day. You will have a prime opportunity to cement yourself as a leading industry partner.

"Excellent, informative day. Loved the way sponsor information was provided"
- The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Optimising Hybrid Closed Loop Systems: Training Workshops, Sheffield 2025
"The sponsor sessions were very useful. Great snapshot of what is different/special about each company/product – and the information about the further training sessions that they offer is fantastic"
- GOSH, Optimising Hybrid Closed Loop Systems: Training Workshops, London 2025
"Great presentations at sponsor stands"
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Optimising Diabetes Technology in Pregnancy National Networking Forum 2025
"Very informative and helpful sponsors. Managed to swap details for better patient care"
- Inclusion Healthcare, Diabetes National Networking Forums Leicester, 2025
"It was very beneficial and liked how we sat to listen to each rep company and learning the differences of each pump"
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Optimising Hybrid Closed Loop Systems: Training Workshops, Sheffield
"A good opportunity to discuss with companies about new developments"
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, King’s Health Partners Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop Programme 2025

Your own event, managed by us

SBK Healthcare also provides in-house forums. Working closely with you as the client we can research, produce, market and deliver the face-to-face conference or online forum that best suits your audience and meets your goals.

Reach out today

If you would like more information on our sponsorship options an in-house forum or if you wish to discuss your needs and what solutions may be appropriate for your business, please contact:

Vanessa Jarman
Telephone: 01732 897788
Email: vanessa.jarman@sbk-healthcare.co.uk



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