Tens of thousands of people with type 1 diabetes in the UK are to be given a new technology called an artificial pancreas to help manage their condition.
This system uses a subcutaneous glucose sensor to automatically calculate the amount of insulin delivered through the pump.
Later this month, the NHS will begin contacting adults and children who may benefit from the system.
But NHS chiefs warned it could be five years before everyone eligible had the chance.
This is due to the difficulty of procuring enough devices and the need to train more staff on how to use the devices.
In trials, the technology, known as a hybrid closed-loop system, improved quality of life and reduced the risk of long-term health complications.
And late last year, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in Nice said the NHS should start using the scheme.
Nearly 300,000 people in the UK have type 1 diabetes, including around 29,000 children.
That means their pancreas can’t produce insulin, an important hormone that helps turn food into energy.
They must closely monitor the levels of sugar, or glucose, in their blood and administer insulin to themselves daily using injections or pumps.
And while this new technology does that automatically, effectively mimicking the function of the pancreas, it still requires you to enter information about your food intake at mealtimes to work accurately.
This new technology aims to prevent people with type 1 diabetes from experiencing life-threatening low or high blood sugar levels, which can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
It also helps improve overall blood sugar control. This means less chance of complications such as heart disease, vision problems, and kidney disease.
Scotland also offers the technology, and Wales and Northern Ireland could soon follow suit.
Gemma Lavery, 38, from Plymouth, who is using the device as part of an NHS pilot, says it has changed her life.
“I no longer have to worry about work-related stress impacting my blood sugar levels because closed loop solves problems before they become problems,” she says.
“I’m able to sleep through the night without worrying about my blood sugar levels periodically dropping low and disrupting my morning routine, and I’ve found that my diabetes is more stable.”
“Incredibly exciting”
Professor Partha Kerr, NHS National Specialist Adviser on Diabetes, said the move was “great news for everyone with type 1 diabetes”.
“This futuristic technology will not only improve healthcare, but also improve the quality of life for those affected,” he added.
Dr Claire Hambling, clinical director of diabetes for NHS England, said the technology “has the power to redefine the lives” of people with type 1 diabetes.
She goes on to say, “Type 1 diabetes is an often overlooked diagnosis, so if you’re concerned about symptoms such as going to the bathroom, urinating frequently, being thirsty, feeling tired, and losing weight (the 4 T’s), come forward. Please seek support.” . ”
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see this technology rolled out.”
“This is a truly groundbreaking moment.”
Nice approved the introduction of the system for the NHS in December last year, after which the NHS set out a five-year plan for how it would be delivered to eligible people.
Nice recommends its use for Type 1 patients who fall into certain categories, including children, people under 18, pregnant women, and those with HbA1c measurements, a method of tracking long-term blood sugar levels, of 58 mmol/mol or less. 7.5% or more.