The rollout of a “life-changing” artificial pancreas on the NHS for people with type 1 diabetes has helped to narrow ethnic and socioeconomic inequality within access to treatment, according to figures.
Officially known as a hybrid closed-loop system, an artificial pancreas comprises three interconnected parts: a sensor worn on the body called a continuous glucose monitor; an algorithm either built into the pump or on a separate device such as a phone that calculates the precise dose of insulin needed; and an insulin pump that delivers the dose into the bloodstream.
For patients, the device removes much of the mental burden of managing blood sugar levels, especially around mealtimes and during the night. According to previous clinical trials, the device is more effective at managing diabetes than current diabetes technology, such as using continuous glucose monitors alone.