Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) stated in a release on Tuesday (Apr 2) that tens of thousands of people with type 1 diabetes will receive an “artificial pancreas” as part of a world-first effort.
The NHS noted that the “groundbreaking device” is designed to monitor a person’s blood glucose levels and automatically adjust the amount of insulin administered via a pump.
Selected patients will benefit from the hybrid closed-loop system, also known as an artificial pancreas
The NHS’s mass rollout is based on a successful pilot of the technology, in which 835 adults and children received devices to help them manage their disease.
According to the statement, local NHS systems will begin identifying people with type 1 diabetes who are eligible for the scheme.
Health officials believe the selected patients will benefit from the hybrid closed-loop system, often known as an artificial pancreas.
According to the NHS, Health Minister Andrew Stephenson stated, “People living with type 1 diabetes face the constant stress of needing to monitor their blood glucose levels to stay healthy and avoid complications. This new technology will ease the burden on patients and allow them to manage their condition more easily, without needing to draw blood or wear a continuous glucose monitor.”
Notably, 269,095 individuals in England have type 1 diabetes.
According to the NHS, the availability of this technology will allow some people with type 1 diabetes to stop injecting themselves with insulin. However, patients will have to rely on technology to obtain this life-saving medication.