The NHS has secured cost-effective deals to provide tens of thousands of children and eligible adults with type 1 diabetes access to an innovative device known as the ‘artificial pancreas.’
This groundbreaking technology continuously monitors glucose levels and automatically administers insulin through a pump, offering life-changing improvements in diabetes management.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
This condition typically develops during childhood or early adulthood. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels that can cause long-term damage to organs and tissues.
The risks associated with unmanaged type 1 diabetes are severe, ranging from heart disease and kidney failure to blindness and nerve damage.
People with this condition also face the daily challenge of managing their blood sugar levels to avoid hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) episodes, both of which can result in life-threatening complications.
Now, expanding access to the revolutionary artificial pancreas promises to improve care for thousands of NHS patients.
A game-changer for diabetes care
The artificial pancreas, also referred to as the Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) system, is a significant breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
By automatically adjusting insulin levels based on real-time glucose monitoring, the device eliminates the need for frequent injections and provides better control of blood sugar levels.
This system not only enhances the quality of life for patients but also helps prevent serious complications like hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, both of which can be life-threatening if not managed properly.
Thanks to new agreements between the NHS and technology suppliers, eligible patients across England will have access to this life-saving device at reduced prices.
The NHS has been identifying suitable candidates for this technology since April 2024, with a mass rollout set to expand in the coming months.
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS national clinical director for diabetes, said: “The NHS continues to lead the way in care and treatment for people with diabetes, and this is just the latest example of those efforts – by ensuring cost-effectiveness of the latest technology, we can roll out these groundbreaking devices to thousands more eligible patients over the next five years.
“The technology behind the Hybrid Closed Loop systems will be completely life-changing for many people living 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 – the 4Ts – going to the Toilet, passing urine more frequently, Thirst, feeling Tired and getting Thinner (losing weight), please come forward for support.”
Cost savings and improved patient outcomes
The UK is at the forefront of implementing this revolutionary diabetes technology. With £14.1m allocated by NHS England to support the first year of the rollout, the initiative will make a major impact on the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.
With approximately 270,000 people in England living with type 1 diabetes, the rollout of the artificial pancreas is expected to deliver significant benefits to both patients and the NHS.
The technology has already proven successful in pilot programmes, with 835 adults and children seeing improvements in managing their condition.
By securing favourable pricing on these devices, the NHS will also achieve considerable cost savings, benefiting both patients and taxpayers.
Professor Partha Kar, NHS England’s Type 1 Diabetes Technology Clinical Lead, highlighted the importance of this development: “This is a significant milestone in the national rollout of Hybrid Closed Loop systems, and is fantastic news for many people living with type 1 diabetes.
“NHS trusts can access these devices at cost-effective prices, not only benefiting more patients but benefiting the taxpayer through significant savings to the NHS.”
A phased rollout over five years
The National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE) approved the rollout of the artificial pancreas in December 2023.
The five-year strategy aims to phase in the technology across England, prioritising children, young people under 19, pregnant women, and adults who struggle with high glucose levels.
