National Health Service England (NHS) saying Tuesday that “tens of thousands of children and adults” with type 1 diabetes will receive an “artificial pancreas” to help them control their insulin levels. Hybrid closed-loop system – a sensor under the skin that sends wireless readings to an external pump, which delivers insulin as needed – can help patients avoid the risks of type 1 diabetes without worrying about pricked fingers or injections.
This is not the first device of its kind. Tandem brands similar insulin pumps in the US after received FDA authorization in 2019. Gizmodo grades that another company called iLet got FDA approval for a similar device last year. Although the NHS has not said which specific devices its program will use, what is different here is that the country's publicly funded healthcare system provides them for free and not as an exclusive privilege for the wealthy. (Sigh.)
The closed-loop hybrid system begins with a sensor implanted under the skin, which continuously monitors glucose levels at regular intervals. The sensor sends that data wirelessly to a pump, worn externally, that delivers the appropriate dose of insulin. The “hybrid” part of its name comes from the fact that some user input, including carbohydrate input, is still required in the otherwise self-regulating system.
The government agency gave an ultra-precise figure of 269,095 people in England living with type 1 diabetes, highlighting how many people could potentially benefit from the rollout. The NHS says local branches will begin identifying patients for the program from Tuesday.
“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,” wrote Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, in the NHS press. statement announcing the launch. “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.”
