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NICE has recommended the use of hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in some patients with type 1 diabetes.
Professor Jonathan Benger, chief medical officer at NICE, has described the new technology as a “game changer” for people with type 1 diabetes, and says patients will be less likely to suffer from complications as a result.
Technology could reduce complications associated with type 1 diabetes
Sometimes known as an ‘artificial pancreas’ – hybrid closed loop systems comprise of a continuous glucose monitor sensor attached to the body, which transmits data to a body-worn insulin pump.
The system then uses the data to work out how much insulin needs to be delivered into the body to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.
People can use these systems to continue normal activities without the need for regular finger prick testing or injecting themselves with insulin to control their blood sugar levels.
This will help to reduce the likelihood of patients having complications such as disabling hypoglycaemia, strokes and heart attacks.
Clinical trials show hybrid closed loop systems more effective than standard care
NICE says the system should only be offered to those whose diabetes is not controlled with their current device despite best possible management with an insulin pump, or real-time or intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring.
Children and young people, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and those people who already have an insulin pump will be the first to be offered a hybrid closed loop system as part of a five-year roll-out plan.
However, the technology will also be issued to adults with an average HbA1c reading of 7.5% or more (higher than the recommended maximum level of 6.5%), and those who suffer with hypoglycaemia (abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood).
Clinical trials have shown that hybrid closed loop systems are more effective than standard care at maintaining blood glucose levels within a healthy range, but evidence suggests the systems are more effective for people with higher long-term average blood glucose levels.
A “game changer” for people with type 1 diabetes
There are 270,935 people in England and 16,090 people in Wales living with type 1 diabetes, and roughly 10% of the entire NHS budget is spent on diabetes management.
Professor Benger therefore says it is important for NICE ensure “the best value for money technologies are available to healthcare professionals and patients.”
“Using hybrid closed loop systems will be a game changer for people with type 1 diabetes. By ensuring their blood glucose levels are within the recommended range, people are less likely to have complications such as disabling hypoglycaemia, strokes and heart attacks, which lead to costly NHS care. This technology will improve the health and wellbeing of patients, and save the NHS money in the long term.
“It has been a team effort to get this appraisal to a successful conclusion. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of the NICE staff, the independent committee, and our colleagues at NHS England and in industry to ensure people with type 1 diabetes will benefit from this life-changing technology,” he said.
Funding package yet to be agreed
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, is now urging the government and the NHS to agree to a funding plan for this new technology.
She said: “We’re excited to welcome these recommendations which broaden access to the technology for key groups including children and young people, recognising our comments to the consultation earlier this year.
“However, funding to roll out this technology to the people that need it is of paramount importance and we re-iterate the campaign call we made last month for Government and the NHS to agree this.
“We’ll also be working with the NHS to help ensure that everyone who could benefit from this technology has access to it as soon as possible in the phased rollout that has been agreed to achieve this.”