In a first, NHS begins to rollout artificial pancreas

“This really is a landmark moment and we’ll be working with the NHS and others to ensure a fair rollout that reaches people as quickly as possible.”

Tens of thousands of children and adults in England living with type 1 diabetes are set to receive an ‘artificial pancreas’ in a world-first initiative rolled out by the NHS. The new device continually monitors a person’s blood glucose, then automatically adjusts the amount of insulin given to them through a pump.

Local NHS systems are starting to identify eligible people living with type 1 diabetes, who health chiefs believe could benefit from the Hybrid Closed Loop system, sometimes known as an artificial pancreas, from April 2, 2024.

There are currently 269,095 people living in England with type 1 diabetes according to the NHS.

The technology will mean some people with type 1 diabetes will no longer need to inject themselves with insulin, but will be able to rely on technology to receive this life saving medication.

This can also help prevent life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia attacks says the NHS, which can lead to seizures, coma, or even death for people living with type 1 diabetes.

NHS England has provided local health systems with 2.5 million GBP to allow them to begin identifying patients that can benefit.

The mass rollout of the artificial pancreas builds on a successful pilot of the technology by NHS England, which saw 835 adults and children with type 1 diabetes given to improve the management of their condition.

According to the organisation, NHS England spends around 10 billion GBP per year, roughly 10% of its entire budget, on identifying and treating diabetes. Med-Tech Innovation