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The NHS has confirmed plans to roll out “artificial pancreases” to patients living with type 1 diabetes across England.
The device, also known as a hybrid closed-loop system, helps individuals with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels more effectively. It combines a continuous glucose monitoring system with an insulin pump and a control algorithm that automatically adjusts insulin delivery based on the individual’s glucose levels.
Currently, most people with the condition are tasked with monitoring their own blood sugar levels and adjusting their insulin dosage accordingly.
The technology about to be introduced can lead to fewer hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) episodes, as well as better overall diabetes management.
Local NHS systems have been given £2.5m by the NHS to start identifying eligible people living with type 1 diabetes who could benefit from the device. There are currently 269,095 people living in England with type 1 diabetes.
The mass roll-out builds on a successful pilot of the technology by NHS England, which saw 835 adults and children with type 1 diabetes given devices to improve the management of their condition.
In England, the NHS is currently faced with spending around £10bn a year – or 10% of its entire budget – on identifying and treating diabetes.
Dr Clare Hambling, national clinical director for diabetes, said: “This is another example of the NHS leading the way in healthcare [by] rolling out these ground-breaking devices across England over the next five years.
“This transformative technology holds the power to redefine the lives of those with type 1 diabetes, promising a better quality of life as well as clinical outcomes.
“Type 1 diabetes is an easily missed diagnosis, so if you are concerned about symptoms (look out for the 4Ts – going to the toilet and passing urine more frequently, with thirst, feeling tired and getting thinner/losing weight), please come forward for support.”
NHS England has published a five-year implementation strategy, which sets out a timeline for how local systems will provide the hybrid closed-loop system for eligible patients from this month.
The National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE) has recommended that the devices are initially rolled out to children and young people under 18, pregnant women and adults that have a particularly severe case.
Health minister Andrew Stephenson said: “People living with type 1 diabetes face the constant stress of needing to monitor their blood glucose levels to stay healthy and avoid complications. This new technology will ease the burden on patients and allow them to manage their condition more easily, without needing to draw blood or wear a continuous glucose monitor.”
People with type 2 diabetes could also potentially benefit from using an artificial pancreas system, although they are typically urged to manage the condition with diet, exercise and oral medications before more extreme therapies are recommended.
