The NHS is offering thousands more ‘artificial pancreases’ to patients with type 1 diabetes, meaning the end of finger-prick blood tests and insulin injections for many.
Up to 270,000 patients will be able to get “completely life-changing” devices to monitor their blood sugar levels as part of the £14m launch.
The expansion follows a deal between the NHS and manufacturers of closed-loop hybrid systems, making them more “profitable”.
This means that patients already using diabetes technology, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, may now be eligible to switch.
In patients with autoimmune disease, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar or glucose in the blood.
Up to 270,000 patients will be able to get ‘completely life-changing’ devices to monitor their blood sugar levels as part of £14m launch (file image)
The expansion follows a deal between the NHS and manufacturers of closed-loop hybrid systems, making them more “profitable”.
Professor Partha Kar (pictured), type 1 diabetes adviser for NHS England, said it was “an important milestone” for many people living with type 1 diabetes.
This can cause your sugar level to rise too high, which can be fatal or potentially trigger serious health problems with your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.
The device is worn on the body and constantly monitors how much insulin is needed to keep the patient’s blood sugar levels stable, which is then automatically administered through a pump.
Professor Partha Kar, type 1 diabetes adviser for NHS England, said it was “an important milestone” for many people living with type 1 diabetes.
He said: “The device detects your glucose levels, transmits the readings to the delivery system, known as a pump, which then begins the process of determining the insulin dose required, improving healthcare but also the quality of life for those affected.
“NHS trusts can access these devices at cost-effective prices, not only benefiting more patients, but also benefiting the taxpayer through significant savings to the NHS.”
Earlier this year, NHS England ordered local health authorities to start identifying patients who would benefit during the five-year programme.
It has now increased funding seven-fold, meaning more patients, including children, will be able to receive artificial pancreases in the next 12 months.
The expansion follows a decision by NHS watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) to start offering devices to people with diabetes who are not adequately controlled with their insulin pump or glucose monitor. current.
Diabetes UK said the number of people living with diabetes in the UK now exceeds 5.6 million (File Photo)
Diabetes UK has welcomed the launch, having previously spoken about how such devices can “transform the lives” of people with the condition.
Policy director Nikki Joule said: “Type 1 diabetes can take a huge mental toll as people manually calculate how much insulin they need regularly throughout the day. By automating these calculations, closed-loop hybrid technology can greatly alleviate the emotional burden of diabetes.”
Diabetic children and young people, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and those who already have an insulin pump will be the first beneficiaries of the program.
Officials said it will be a gradual rollout over five years as the specialized clinical workforce develops the skills needed to prescribe the devices.
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS national clinical director for diabetes, said: “The NHS continues to lead the way in the care and treatment of people with diabetes and this is just the latest example of those efforts – by ensuring cost-effectiveness of With the latest technology, we can deploy these innovative devices to thousands more eligible patients over the next five years.
“The technology behind closed-loop hybrid systems will completely change the lives of many people living with type 1 diabetes, promising better quality of life and clinical outcomes.”