Updated NICE guidance on type 1 diabetes and hybrid closed loop systems now available

By Editor
19th December 2023
Continuous glucose monitoring, NICE Type 1 diabetes

Changes have been made by NICE to its diagnostics guidance on integrated sensor-augmented pump therapy systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes.

The landmark guidance outlines details of who will be offered hybrid closed-loop technology in England and Wales.

Hybrid closed loop systems can now be used as a possible treatment option to manage blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes for adults with disabling hypoglycaemia or an HbA1c of 58 mmol/mol, despite best possible management with at least one of the following:

  • Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) (i.e. an insulin pump)
  • Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
  • Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (Flash).

In addition, they are also available for children, young people and individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Over the next five years hundreds of thousands of people living with type 1 diabetes should be offered this next-generation technology to help them manage their condition, according to NICE.

In a video published on X, Professor Partha Kar, national specialty adviser for diabetes at NHS England, said: “Some will be disappointed that it doesn’t cover everybody. It still is the widest possible and I can assure you that we’ll be working to try and make sure that everybody else comes into it.

“The hard work begins now trying to get it into lives. We have a strategy coming out and the plan we have to deliver it.”

Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “Hybrid closed-loop technology has the potential to transform the lives of many people with type 1 diabetes, improving both health and quality of life.

“We’re excited to welcome these recommendations which broaden access to the technology for key groups including children and young people recognising our comments to the consultation earlier this year.

“However, funding to rollout this technology to the people that need it is of paramount importance and we re-iterate the campaign call we have made for the government and the NHS to agree this.

“We’ll also be working with the NHS to help ensure that everyone who could benefit from this technology has access to it as soon as possible in the phased rollout that has been agreed to achieve this.”

To access the guidance, click here. 

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