Artificial pancreas approved for type 1 diabetes
Tuesday January 10th 2023
A hybrid closed loop system for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes has been backed by regulators in England.
It is hoped the “artificial pancreas” technology will help those who struggle to manage their condition, despite using an insulin pump, or real-time or intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring.
It would enable them to carry out their everyday tasks without having to monitor their blood glucose levels.
The hybrid closed loop system comprises a continuous glucose monitor sensor, which is attached to the body and transmits data to a body-worn insulin pump.
The sensor uses the data to run a mathematical calculation to work out how much insulin is needed to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.
Mark Chapman, interim director of medical technology at the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, said: “Some people living with type 1 diabetes struggle to manage their condition, even though they are doing everything asked of them by their diabetes team. This technology is the best intervention to help them control their diabetes, barring a cure.
“At a time when the number of people with diabetes is rising, we have to focus on what matters most to people who use NHS services by balancing recommending the best care with value for money.
“Our committee has reviewed the real-world data generated by the NHS and evidence generated by randomised controlled trials, which show there are clear benefits of recommending the technology’s use. We look forward to working with NHS England and industry to ensure a cost-effective price can be reached which is fair to taxpayers.”
Professor Partha Kar, national specialty advisor for diabetes at NHS England, added: “This technology has been proven to give the best control for managing type 1 diabetes and should make things like amputations, blindness, and kidney problems possibly a thing of the past.
“We have seen fantastic results from the real-world trials which have taken place and thank you to NICE for their review of the evidence and subsequent conclusions. The quality of life this technology gives to those using it is huge.”
The draft recommendations also require NHS England to agree a cost-effective price for the systems because the average annual cost for the technology is £5,744, which is higher than what NICE considers a cost-effective use of NHS resources.
A consultation on the draft guidance has begun and comments can be made until Tuesday 31 January 2023.
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