Eleanor Hayward – Times Health Editor writes:
Tens of thousands of people with type 1 diabetes will receive artificial pancreas gadgets that mean they no longer have to inject themselves with insulin.
The NHS has reached “cost-effective deals” with the makers of the devices, which are worn on the body and constantly monitor how much insulin is needed to keep blood sugar stable.
Insulin is then delivered via a pump.
About 270,000 people in England have type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin. Patients have to inject insulin every day, using a pen or pump, and monitor their own blood sugar to prevent life-threatening hypoglycaemic attacks. However, the artificial pancreas, or hybrid closed loop system, does this whole process automatically.
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS national clinical director for diabetes, said: “The technology behind the hybrid closed loop systems will be completely lifechanging for many people living with type 1 diabetes, promising a better quality of life as well as clinical outcomes.”
The NHS currently spends about £10.7 billion each year — roughly 6 per cent of its budget — on identifying and treating diabetes. The NHS expects the new artificial pancreas to save millions each year by reducing complications such as stroke.
“The device detects glucose levels and transmits the readings to the delivery system, which then initiates the process of determining the required insulin dosage, improving medical care but also enhancing the quality of life for those affected.”
The mass rollout of the artificial pancreas builds on a successful NHS pilot in which 835 adults and children with type 1 diabetes were given the devices to improve the management of their condition.