- Implementation will effectively mean the end of painful finger stick blood tests
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The NHS is providing an artificial pancreas to up to 150,000 patients in what has been hailed as a “landmark moment” for type 1 diabetics.
The first global 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 closed-loop hybrid system, uses a high-tech algorithm to determine the amount of insulin needed to keep the user’s blood sugar levels stable, which is delivered through a pump.
Experts say the “futuristic technology” will transform the lives of those suffering from the condition after trials found it is more effective in managing the condition than current devices, and requires much less patient involvement.
An artificial pancreas to manage type 1 diabetes could soon be offered to NHS patients after a major trial returned “absolutely brilliant” initial results. The high-tech kit continuously monitors glucose levels through sensors under the patient’s skin and, when necessary, automatically delivers insulin into the bloodstream, a job normally done by the pancreas in the body.
NHS England has donated £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 difficult and unforgiving disease, but these systems make a significant, life-changing difference – improving both the overall health and quality of life of people with diabetes.”
“This truly is a historic moment and we will work with the NHS and others to ensure a fair rollout that reaches people as quickly as possible.”
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces insufficient or insufficient insulin, causing life-threatening high blood sugar levels.
It can be especially difficult to control in children due to variations in insulin levels needed and unpredictability around how much patients eat and exercise.
The device is worn next to the body to continuously monitor blood glucose levels and automatically adjusts insulin delivered through a pump.
Last year, the National Institute for 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 monitor.
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 receive a closed-loop hybrid system, with around 152,000 eligible total.
Professor Partha Kar, NHS national specialist diabetes adviser, said: ‘The national launch of hybrid closed-loop systems is great news for all people with type 1 diabetes.
‘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 required insulin dose.
“This futuristic technology not only improves medical care but also the quality of life of those affected.”