Type 1 diabetes: NICE recommends new “artificial pancreas” technology

Over 100 000 people with type 1 diabetes in England should be offered new technology to help them control their condition with little human input, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has advised.

In draft guidance1 published on 10 January, an independent NICE committee recommended the use of hybrid “closed loop” systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes.

The technology, described as a step towards an artificial pancreas, automatically balances blood glucose levels through a continuous glucose monitor sensor that transmits data to a body worn insulin pump. The pump delivers insulin directly to the bloodstream when required. …