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...