NHS begins rollout of artificial pancreas in ‘world first’ move

Tens of thousands of children and adults in England living with type 1 diabetes are set to receive an ‘artificial pancreas’ in a world-first initiative rolled out by the NHS. The new device continually monitors a person’s blood glucose, then automatically adjusts the amount of insulin given to them through a pump.

Local NHS systems are starting to identify eligible people living with type 1 diabetes, who health chiefs believe could benefit from the Hybrid Closed Loop system, sometimes known as an artificial pancreas, from April 2, 2024.

There are currently 269,095 people living in England with type 1 diabetes according to the NHS.

The technology will mean some people with type 1 diabetes will no longer need to inject themselves with insulin, but will be able to rely on technology to receive this life saving medication.

This can also help prevent life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia attacks says the NHS, which can lead to seizures, coma, or even death for people living with type 1 diabetes.

NHS England has provided local health systems with 2.5 million GBP to allow them to begin identifying patients that can benefit.

The mass rollout of the artificial pancreas builds on a successful pilot of the technology by NHS England, which saw 835 adults and children with type 1 diabetes given to improve the management of their condition.

According to the organisation, NHS England spends around 10 billion GBP per year, roughly 10% of its entire budget, on identifying and treating diabetes.

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“This is another example of the NHS leading the way in healthcare, rolling out these ground-breaking devices across England over the next 5 years,” said Dr Clare Hambling, National Clinical Director for diabetes. “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.”

Dr Hambling added: “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, with thirst, feeling tired and getting thinner (losing weight), please come forward for support.”

Professor Partha Kar, NHS National Specialty Advisor for Diabetes said: “The national roll out of Hybrid Closed Loop systems is great news for everyone with type 1 diabetes. The device detects your glucose levels, transmits the readings to the delivery system, known as the pump, which then initiates the process of determining the required insulin dosage.

“This futuristic technology not only improves medical care but also enhances the quality of life for those affected.”

The National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE) approved the rollout of the technology in December 2023. Since the announcement, 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 April 1, 2024.

NICE recommends the devices should be rolled out to children and young people under 18 with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, and adults with type 1 diabetes who have an HbA1c of 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) or higher.

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.

“This is a great example of how we are harnessing the latest technology to make people’s lives better; improving outcomes, reducing serious complications, and making care simpler.”

NHS England explained that the hybrid closed loop system has ‘dramatically’ changed the everyday life of Gemma Lavery, 38, from Plymouth. She received an artificial pancreas as part of the NHS pilot, and refers to the technology as a ‘game changer’ that allowed her to find a sense of normality.

Lavery said: “I no longer have to worry about work related stress affecting my blood glucose levels as the closed loop helps to sort this out before it becomes a problem. I can have a full night sleep without worrying about regular low glucose levels hindering my morning routine and I have found that my diabetes is more stable.”

Another person who received the device, 64-year-old Les Watson, from West Devon, has been living with type 1 diabetes for nearly 44 years. Watson has witnessed first hand the technological changes in treatment over that period.

Watson said: “The user interface is clean, clear, and straightforward to grasp, the information that is required by a pump user is readily available and not tucked away somewhere deep in a stacked menu. The system is not overloaded with complicated options making its day-to-day use quick and easy. As a user I now spend hardly any time interacting with the system other than at mealtimes or telling it I’m heading out to exercise.”

Colette Marshall, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK said: “It is incredibly exciting to see hybrid closed-loop technology being rolled out on the NHS in England for people with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is a tough and relentless condition, but these systems make a significant, life-changing difference, improving both the overall health and quality of life for people with diabetes.”

“This really is a landmark moment and we’ll be working with the NHS and others to ensure a fair rollout that reaches people as quickly as possible.”