The world’s first artificial pancreas rollout will see up to 150,000 diabetics get the life-changing gadgets from the NHS

Health
By Liam
  • The rollout will effectively mean the end of painful finger prick blood tests

By Kate Pickles Health Editor for The Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

The NHS is giving up to 150,000 patients an artificial pancreas in what is seen as a ‘milestone’ for type 1 diabetics.

The world’s first rollout will effectively mean the end of painful finger-prick blood tests and regular injections for most people with the condition.

The device – known as a hybrid closed-loop system – uses a hi-tech algorithm to determine the amount of insulin needed to keep the wearer’s blood sugar levels stable, which is delivered via a pump.

Experts say the ‘futuristic technology’ will change the lives of people with the condition after research found it to be more effective at managing the condition than current devices, while requiring far less input from patients.

An artificial pancreas to treat type 1 diabetes could soon be offered to NHS patients after a major trial produced ‘blisteringly brilliant’ early results. The high-tech kit continuously monitors glucose levels via sensors under a patient’s skin and, when necessary, automatically delivers insulin to the bloodstream – a task normally performed in the body by the pancreas.

NHS England has given £2.5 million to local health authorities to start identifying patients who will benefit during the five-year programme.

Diabetes charities said it was ‘incredibly exciting’ for patients.

Colette Marshall, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: ‘Diabetes is a tough and unforgiving condition, but these systems make a significant, life-changing difference, improving both the overall health and quality of life of people with diabetes.

‘This really is a milestone and we will work with the NHS and others to ensure a fair rollout that reaches people as quickly as possible.’

How does the ‘artificial pancreas’ work?

The technology – which costs less than £5,000 per patient – ​​uses a ‘hybrid closed loop system’ sensor to continuously monitor blood glucose.

The sensor wirelessly transmits the readings to the high-tech insulin pump, which performs a mathematical calculation to calculate how much insulin needs to be administered into the body at a time to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

The body-worn insulin pump then automatically delivers insulin into the bloodstream.

Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, causing potentially fatal high blood sugar levels.

This can be especially difficult to manage in children due to variations in insulin levels required and the unpredictability around how much patients eat and exercise.

The device is worn next to the body to continuously monitor blood sugar levels and automatically adjust the insulin delivered through a pump.

Last year, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommended offering the wearable device to people with diabetes who are not adequately controlled with their current pump or glucose meter.

It has been agreed with NHS England that all children and young people, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and those who already have an insulin pump, will be the first to be offered a hybrid closed-loop system, with a total of around 152,000 people eligible.

Professor Partha Kar, NHS National Specialty Advisor for Diabetes, said: ‘The national rollout of hybrid closed loop systems is great news for anyone with type 1 diabetes.

‘The device detects your glucose levels and sends the readings to the delivery system, also 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 the quality of life of those affected.’

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