BackgroundIn Southeast Asia, pharmacies are critical sources of healthcare advice for under-served communities, including those with/at risk of diabetes.AimExplore knowledge/practices relating to diabetes and blood glucose monitoring (BGM) among pharmacy professionals in Cambodia and Viet Nam, using digital professional education to address gaps.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to pharmacy professionals in Cambodia and Viet Nam registered on SwipeRx mobile application. Eligible participants dispensed medicines and/or were involved in purchasing products, and worked at retail pharmacies stocking ≥ 1 BGM product. An accredited continuing professional development module was then made available to pharmacy professionals and students on SwipeRx in both countries. After completing the 1–2 h module, users were required to correctly answer ≥ 60% (Cambodia) or ≥ 70% (Viet Nam) of knowledge assessment questions to achieve accreditation units from local partners.ResultsWhereas 33% of survey respondents in Cambodia (N = 386) and 63% in Viet Nam (N = 375) reported performing blood glucose testing at the pharmacy, only 19% and 14% were aware that clients taking multiple daily doses of insulin should check blood glucose levels several times a day. Of 1,137 and 399 pharmacy professionals/students who completed the module and passed the assessment in Cambodia and Viet Nam, 1,124 (99%) and 376 (94%) received accreditation. Knowledge levels improved substantially in 10 of 14 learning areas in Cambodia and 6 of 10 in Viet Nam.ConclusionsDigital education can strengthen pharmacy professional capacity to provide comprehensive and accurate information on diabetes management and the awareness of quality BGM products in Southeast Asia.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-023-04449-0.