In December 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published new guidance on the use of ‘hybrid closed loop’ (HCL) technology – sometimes referred to as an artificial pancreas – for people with Type 1 diabetes.
Following publication, NHS England produced a five-year strategy offering advice and guidance on how the technology should be rolled out across the country.
This deviation from the usual 90 day period is designed to allow time for trusts to employ extra staff and provide specialist training for staff and patients.
In preparation for the roll-out, the NHS in south west London has developed a local plan which outlines how the local people will benefit from the technology in a phased and safe way, while those with the greatest clinical need are prioritised.
The plan, which has been submitted to NHS England, also includes information from local hospitals detailing how and when they will be able to adapt their clinical services to provide the technology appropriately.
It is important to note that the NICE guidance that recommends hybrid technology in the following people:
- adults living with type 1 diabetes who have an HbA1c of 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) or more, or have disabling hypoglycaemia despite best possible management
- children and young people living with type 1 diabetes
- women, trans men and non-binary people living with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Hospital diabetes specialist clinicians will discuss the suitability of HCL with eligible patients at clinic appointments according to their local hospital Trust implementation plan.
Anyone already using hybrid closed loop through the NHS, will not be affected and can continue to use their system as long as it remains appropriate, and their device is in line with the NHS England’s 5-year hybrid closed loop implementation strategy and framework for purchasing the technology.