“Tens of thousands of children and adults with type 1 diabetes” will receive an “artificial pancreas” to help manage their insulin levels, the NHS said on Tuesday. The hybrid closed-loop system is a subcutaneous sensor that sends wireless readings to an externally worn pump that delivers insulin as needed, helping patients avoid the risks of type 1 diabetes without having to worry about finger pricks or injections.
This isn’t the first device of its kind. Tandem obtained FDA authorization in 2019 to produce similar insulin pumps in the United States. Gizmodo pointed out that another company called iLet received FDA approval last year to produce a similar device. Although the NHS has not yet revealed which specific devices it plans to use, the difference here is that the devices are being made available for free by the country’s publicly funded health care system, rather than as an exclusive privilege for the wealthy. (sigh.)
The hybrid closed-loop system starts with a sensor implanted under the skin that continuously monitors blood sugar levels at regular intervals. The sensor wirelessly sends data to an externally worn pump, which delivers the appropriate insulin dose. The “hybrid” part of its name comes from the fact that some user input is still required in other self-regulating systems, including entering carbohydrate intake.
The government agency gave an ultra-precise figure of 269,095 people with type 1 diabetes in England, highlighting how many people could benefit from the scheme. NHS England said local branches would start identifying patients for the scheme from Tuesday.
Writing on NHS Media, Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes is a serious and cruel disease, but these systems can make a big, life-changing difference – improving outcomes for people with diabetes. overall health and quality of life,” the release announced. “This is truly a landmark moment and we will work with the NHS and others to ensure a fair rollout reaches people as quickly as possible.”
