Sven Pohlsen joins Diabetes Care Plus team

He has generously given his time to volunteer at diabetes camps, host events, and present webinars about diabetes technology. He is now bringing his warmth, expertise and lived experience to Diabetes Care Plus.

Sven grew up in regional Victoria, and his country upbringing has informed his approach to diabetes care.

“I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 12 years old. I was lucky to have a great diabetes educator out in the Western District where I grew up, near the Grampians,” Sven explains.

“The care teams are smaller in the country, and you know everyone. You see the same people often and it feels more intimate.

“You talk about life outside of managing the care plan. Developing trust and rapport is so important because it makes you seem more credible. It doesn’t matter how many letters you have after your name or what accreditations you have.

“Building that foundation of trust and respect is key.”

An expert with lived experience

Sven remembers the moment he decided to pursue a career in diabetes care, during a conversation with his own endocrinologist.

“I asked about the process of working in the field and he suggested getting involved through diabetes education,” he says.

“For me, this work is about self-empowerment and being an advocate for those living with the condition, to empower them to be the best they can be.

“I love hearing people's stories and helping people to comfortably and confidently manage diabetes.”

Sven now has over fourteen years of experience as a diabetes nurse educator and has worked in hospitals across Victoria.

“In my experience, what works really well is having goal directed care planning,” he says.

“Talking with people and asking them what their goals of care are, then making small incremental goals to achieve that bigger picture.”

He understands first-hand how daunting diabetes management can be, and how reassurance from a trusted health professional can provide comfort and relief.

“Some people are quite scared, they might have a needle phobia for example,” he says.

“Or for those who have had frequent hypoglycaemia they can become anxious about keeping their sugar levels high for a long time.

“I found during my previous work in paediatrics; it’s about giving comfort and reassurance to parents as well. Developing frameworks of self-management and helping people and families become comfortable with managing the condition is the most rewarding aspect of the job.”

Taking the journey together

Sven’s role at Diabetes Care Plus is his first as a nurse practitioner, after completing his Master of Advanced Nursing at Deakin University in 2024.

“This is a return to community-based nursing for me. The last time I worked in community-based health was in 2018, so I’m looking forward to getting more of that connection and working with clients more closely,” he says.

“What really excites me in general about the diabetes space is the way technology is rapidly evolving. Continuous glucose monitors and insulin pump systems are changing diabetes management completely.

“I’m looking forward to going on this journey with clients, working out what we can do to keep them healthy and safe, and connected with their overall care team.”

Sven’s practice has a strong focus on diabetes technology and supporting people to navigate the day to day realities of living with diabetes. Book an appointment with him here.

Sven will be a key-note speaker at the Diabetes Tech Night for type 1 diabetes. To see him in action, get your free ticket! 

As this is a member's only event, you will need a FREE membership to be a part of the night. 

• New member? Register & Join Free
• Already a member? Register to attend the event