The NHS is now offering an enhanced hybrid closed-loop system, often referred to as an ‘artificial pancreas’, to women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Approximately 2,000 women with T1D become pregnant each year in England. Managing glucose levels during pregnancy remains a significant clinical challenge due to fluctuating hormone levels. 

Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy is associated with increased risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal complications and babies born large for gestational age. These conditions often predispose offspring to further complications or comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. 

The system includes an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor and a smartphone-based algorithm that calculates and delivers insulin doses in real time. What makes this system unique is the ability to set lower glucose targets, which is essential for tighter glycaemic control during pregnancy. It also eliminates the need for frequent finger-prick testing and manual insulin dosing, while enabling remote monitoring by diabetes care teams. 

Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, highlighted the technology’s potential to improve safety and reduce stress for women during pregnancy. The initiative is backed by a £3.7 million NHS investment as part of a broader £60 million fund to expand diabetes technology access to other eligible populations. 

This rollout aligns with the NHS’s long-term plan to shift towards preventative, community-based care and is expected to reduce complications, improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, as well as enhance quality of life for women with T1D. 

Read the full article by Emily Warner here.