Diabetes breakthrough: NHS in England to offer artificial pancreas to help manage type 1 diabetes

An independent NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) committee has recommended the use of hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes, it has been described as a step towards an artificial pancreas.

A NHS trial found it was more effective at managing diabetes than current devices and required far less input from patients.

The hybrid closed loop system uses a continuous glucose monitor sensor which is attached to the body, it transmits data to a body worn insulin pump. An algorithm then works out how much insulin is needed to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.

Kim Wood, from Hastings, was diagnosed with type 1 in March 2021. She manages her diabetes with two types of insulin.

She said: “I think this could definitely change or even save a lot of people lives. Insulin has had a massive impact on helping reduce blood sugar levels but an artificial pancreas could even help with the reduction of insulin needing to be injected.”

It is estimated that approximately 278,000 people in England and Wales are living with type 1 diabetes, and in total, around 105,000 people in England and Wales could be offered the technology.

Nikki Joule, policy manager at charity Diabetes UK says that this technology has ‘the potential to transform the lives of people with type 1 diabetes’ by improving clinical outcomes and their quality of life.

She said: “NICE’s draft guidance is a promising step towards ensuring people living with type 1 diabetes in England and Wales have access to the technologies they can benefit from most, helping them to manage their diabetes, avoid complications and live well with the condition.

“Type 1 diabetes can take a huge mental toll, with people manually calculating how much insulin they need regularly throughout the day. By automating these calculations, hybrid closed-loop technology can greatly alleviate the emotional burden of diabetes. We look forward to it being rolled out on the NHS and will work towards ensuring that everyone who could benefit from this life-changing technology has access to it.”

At present, those with type 1 diabetes regularly measure their blood glucose levels by using finger-prick blood testing or by using a continuous glucose monitor. Blood glucose levels are managed with multiple daily insulin injections or by using a pump to inject insulin under the skin.

Mark Chapman, interim director of medical technology at NICE, said: “Some people living with type 1 diabetes struggle to manage their condition, even though they are doing everything asked of them by their diabetes team. This technology is the best intervention to help them control their diabetes, barring a cure.

“At a time when the number of people with diabetes is rising, we have to focus on what matters most to people who use NHS services by balancing recommending the best care with value for money.

“We look forward to working with NHS England and industry to ensure a cost-effective price can be reached which is fair to taxpayers.”

A consultation has begun on the draft recommendations and consultees can have their say via nice.org.uk until Tuesday, January 31.