NHS launches ‘artificial pancreas’ initiative for pregnant women with diabetes

Thousands of women in England living with type 1 diabetes could benefit from an ‘artificial pancreas’ that would first be discussed with patients in general practice, NHS England has announced.

The pregnancy-specific hybrid closed loop system – also known as an artificial pancreas – is being offered to women with type 1 diabetes who are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

The initiative would initially be ‘talked about’ in GP practices, with the technology then being given to a patient via a hospital, NHS England confirmed to Nursing in Practice.

The device aims to significantly improve blood glucose control, which is key to reducing risks including miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal complications.

Around 2,000 women with type 1 diabetes become pregnant each year in England, according to NHS England, and pregnancy hormones can make managing glucose levels especially challenging.

How will the ‘artificial pancreas’ work?

The artificial pancreas system contains an insulin pump, a glucose sensor and a smartphone app running an advanced algorithm.

The system continuously monitors blood sugar levels and automatically adjusts insulin delivery to keep glucose within a healthy range.

Unlike other systems, this pregnancy-specific version enables users to set lower glucose targets, in line with clinical guidelines for optimal outcomes in pregnancy.

It also allows remote monitoring, allowing specialist diabetes healthcare staff to track glucose data and offer support without the need for regular hospital visits.

Anthony Walker, senior policy officer at Diabetes UK, said the technology could ‘transform the lives’ of pregnant people with type 1 diabetes.

‘Offering the hybrid closed loop systems that are proven to be most effective during pregnancy – and the additional devices like mobile phones needed to use them – is essential in ensuring that everyone has access to the right technology for them,’ Mr Walker explained.

National roll-out and funding

The technology is being rolled out as part of Version 3 of the NHS Saving Babies’ Lives Care Bundle, which aims to reduce stillbirths, preterm births and brain injuries across England.

NHS England has allocated £3.7m to local healthcare systems as part of the scheme, as part of a wider £60m investment in diabetes technology for 2025.

Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, said: ‘This life-changing technology is great news for women with type 1 diabetes because their chronic condition can make it difficult for them to effectively regulate their blood glucose levels to have a safe pregnancy.

‘The NHS is offering this cutting-edge “artificial pancreas” because we want to transform the experiences of women with type 1 diabetes – helping to make this special time in their life safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.’

Partha Kar, type 1 diabetes technology lead at NHS England, added: ‘The rollout of this technology is another example of the NHS taking action to ensure that patients can benefit from the latest technological innovations to improve their medical care.

‘This ingenious – yet simple – technology is helping pregnant women living with type 1 diabetes – and those planning a pregnancy live better lives, improving maternal outcomes for them, reducing serious health complications, and making care simpler.’

Over 600 pregnant women have already used the system as part of the programme’s initial rollout.

Last month, a Diabetes UK survey found that 86% of people with type 1 diabetes and 75% of people with type 2 diabetes experience judgement for their condition.

Also in August, new draft National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines proposed that patients be given earlier access to newer type 2 diabetes treatments to help reduce health inequalities and provide better outcomes.