Hybrid closed loop system now available for people with type 1 diabetes

In January draft guidance was published by NICE that recommended the use of hybrid closed loop systems, such as the one announced today by Abbott, for people with type 1 diabetes that require pump therapy.

Recent NHS trials of the technology in use provided figures which allowed NICE to consider wider use of the technology which allows a person with type 1 diabetes to go about their day-to-day life without having to monitor if their blood glucose levels are too high or too low.

If type 1 diabetes is not well controlled, people are at risk of long-term complications of hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels), including blindness, amputations, or kidney problems.

The hybrid closed loop system is made up of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensor attached to the body. This sends information to an insulin pump, worn on the body. This uses the figures to run a mathematical calculation and work out how much insulin needs to be delivered into the body to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.

The new glucose sensing technology are the smallest, thinnest and most discreet sensors and last for up to 14 days and are now used by more than 4.5 million people across more than 60 countries, by providing breakthrough technology that is accessible and affordable.

Professor Partha Kar, OBE, national specialty advisor, diabetes at NHS England said: “It is wonderful to see the coming together of Ypsomed’s mylife YpsoPump; CamAPX FX algorithm and Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor into one hybrid closed loop system – creating exciting opportunities for people living with type 1 diabetes. This type of advanced technology has the potential to change people’s lives for the better, so I’m pleased to see companies continue to innovate and bring functionality like this together, to allow for broader choice for patients and healthcare professionals.”