Do you have type 1 diabetes and are interested to find out more about the recently announced NICE announcement about use of an insulin pump and CGM sensor together as a hybrid closed loop (automated insulin delivery system)?

Whilst both insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) have been available as tools to help optimise insulin delivery in type 1 diabetes for some time, their availability on the NHS has been restricted to specific groups. Over the last five years there have been technological developments made, which allow the information from the glucose sensor to act as an automatic control for insulin delivery by the pump which dramatically reduces the amount of work required by the person with diabetes in the calculation and administration of their insulin.

Last year, NHS England commissioned a pilot study of these systems in the UK for people with type 1 diabetes who were not achieving target glucose levels. The recommendations from this study have resulted in this technology being made available much more widely within the NHS. The technology is now available to those with type 1 diabetes and at least one of the following:

  • HbA1c >7.5% despite at least optimised standard of care therapy (Standard of care is at least multiple daily dose injections with access to a CGM device)
  • Female planning pregnancy
  • Problematic hypoglycaemia

If you wish to express an interest in being considered for HCL insulin therapy on the NHS and believe you meet these criteria, please read the explanatory page complete the following form. Your details will then be registered with the specialty team undertaking the project.

See the 'useful links' drop down below if you would like more information about technology in diabetes care.

What is a Hybrid Closed-Loop System?

Often referred to as an ‘artificial pancreas’, this device connects an insulin pump to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) using a computer algorithm. It automatically adjusts insulin delivery based on blood sugar readings, reducing the need for finger prick tests and insulin injections. This system still requires user interaction for meals and exercise.

How does an artificial pancreas work?

1. A sensor under the automatically measures blood (glucose) levels?

2. Readings are sent wirelessly to a pump which calculates the amount of insulin required.

3. Users can monitor readings on a smartphone, which also allows them to input the amount of carbohydrates being eaten at meals.