Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) announced in a release on Tuesday (Apr 2) that in a world-first initiative, tens of thousands of children and adults living with type 1 diabetes are set to receive an “artificial pancreas”.
NHS explained that the “groundbreaking device” aimed at monitoring a person’s blood glucose. It automatically adjusts the amount of insulin given to them through a pump.
The mass rollout by NHS is based on a successful pilot of the technology, in which 835 adults and children were given devices to improve the management of their condition.
The release mentioned that the local NHS systems will begin the identification of those with type 1 diabetes who are eligible for the programmes.
The health chiefs believe that the identified ones could benefit from the Hybrid Closed Loop system, sometimes called an artificial pancreas, from Tuesday.
As quoted by NHS, Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said, “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, there are currently 269,095 people living in England with type 1 diabetes.
According to NHS, some people with type 1 diabetes will no longer need to inject themselves with insulin with the availability of this technology. However, they will have to rely on technology to receive this life-saving medication.
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This can also help prevent life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia attacks, which can lead to seizures, coma or even death for people living with type 1 diabetes.
The healthcare system further noted that the technology will also help prevent life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia attacks, which can lead to seizures, coma or even death for people living with type 1 diabetes.
Dr Clare Hambling, National Clinical Director for diabetes said as quoted by NHS: “This transformative technology holds the power to redefine the lives of those with type 1 diabetes, promising a better quality of life as well as clinical outcomes.”
“Type 1 diabetes is an easily missed diagnosis so if you are concerned about symptoms – the 4Ts – going to the Toilet, passing urine more frequently, with Thirst, feeling Tired and getting Thinner (losing weight), please come forward for support,” Hambling added.
(With inputs from agencies)
