By LONDON: A groundbreaking technology, often referred to as an artificial pancreas, is set to revolutionise diabetes management for tens of thousands of people with type 1 diabetes in England.
According to BBC, the innovative system utilises a glucose sensor implanted under the skin, paired with a pump that automatically calculates and delivers the required insulin dosage. Scheduled for implementation later this month, the National Health Service (NHS) will begin reaching out to both adults and children who could benefit from this technology.
However, NHS authorities caution that the full rollout may take up to five years due to challenges in sourcing an adequate supply of devices and the necessity to train additional staff in their operation.
Meanwhile, trials of this hybrid closed-loop system have demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and a reduction in the risk of long-term health complications associated with diabetes.
As per the reports, nearly 300,000 individuals in the UK are affected by type 1 diabetes, including approximately 29,000 children. This condition arises from the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin, necessitating careful monitoring of blood glucose levels and regular insulin administration.
The reports said that the new technology promises to automate this process, effectively mimicking the pancreas’s function, albeit requiring mealtime input for accurate operation. By preventing life-threatening fluctuations in blood glucose levels, such as dangerously low or high levels, the system aims to enhance overall blood sugar control and reduce the risk of associated complications like heart disease, vision impairment, and kidney disease.
Scotland has already initiated the adoption of the technology, with Wales and Northern Ireland expected to follow suit. Gemma Lavery, who participated in an NHS pilot scheme, describes the transformative impact of the device on her life, emphasizing its ability to alleviate stress and stabilise blood glucose levels.
Meanwhile, Professor Partha Kar, NHS national specialty advisor for diabetes, hails the move as “great news for everyone with type 1 diabetes,” stressing the technology’s potential to improve both medical care and quality of life.
On the other hand, Dr Clare Hambling, NHS England diabetes clinical director, underscores the transformative potential of the technology and urges individuals experiencing symptoms of type 1 diabetes to seek support promptly.
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, expressed excitement about the technology’s rollout, describing it as a “landmark moment” in diabetes management.
