Polypharmacy is common in people living with diabetes, driven by the need to manage hyperglycaemia alongside multiple comorbidities. However, excessive or inappropriate medication use can increase the risk of adverse effects, drug interactions, treatment burden, and poor adherence—particularly in older or frail patients. This session explores the concept of problematic polypharmacy in diabetes, highlighting when and how medicines may no longer offer benefit or may cause harm. It will outline practical approaches to deprescribing, balancing clinical evidence with patient preferences, and ensuring care remains safe, individualised, and focused on improving quality of life.

• By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Identify the risks and drivers of problematic polypharmacy in diabetes care.
• Use practical tools and evidence-based approaches to guide safe deprescribing.
• Optimise treatment plans by aligning clinical decisions with patient needs and preferences.