Leeds has been chosen as the UK base for a major European research initiative aiming to transform how diabetes is treated in young people, marking a significant step forward for digital health innovation within the NHS.
The five-year programme, IMPACT-MED, is funded by the EU’s Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) and brings together 26 organisations across 13 countries. The collaboration spans healthcare providers, research institutions, industry leaders and patient organisations, all working to develop next-generation approaches to managing cardiometabolic diseases.
Led by Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma in Italy and Medtronic Ibérica in Spain, the initiative will connect digital health tools with clinical expertise and real-world data to improve prevention, treatment and long-term care. The ultimate ambition is to scale successful pilots into everyday healthcare settings across Europe.
Leeds at the Centre of UK Innovation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is the only NHS organisation participating in the programme, positioning the city at the forefront of digital diabetes care in the UK.
Working alongside industry partners Minimed-Diabeter and DigiBete, the Leeds-based pilot will focus on how digital tools can enhance self-management for young people living with diabetes. The project will also look to accelerate the adoption of new technologies within clinical pathways.
Dr Fiona Campbell, Clinical Lead for the Children and Young People’s Diabetes Team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“We’re very excited to be involved in this major European initiative together with our partners Minimed Diabeter and DigiBete. This will allow the diabetes team at Leeds Children’s Hospital to explore how remote monitoring and personalised digital education can improve treatment, self-management and quality of care among children, adolescents and young adults living with Type 1 diabetes.
“As one of the UK’s largest specialist children’s hospitals, we have one of the most comprehensive paediatric diabetes services in the country. This new initiative is a significant step forward in collaborating to bring clinical expertise, digital infrastructure and patient‑centered education together to help improve treatment and care for our young patients and also contribute to the adoption of technologies across Europe.”
Digital Tools Driving Better Outcomes
At the heart of the project is the integration of advanced digital platforms. Diabeter’s CloudCare system will play a key role, enabling clinicians to monitor patient data from insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and other connected devices within a single environment.
This population-level insight allows healthcare teams to identify patients needing additional support earlier and intervene proactively, an approach expected to improve outcomes and reduce long-term complications.
Alongside this, DigiBete’s digital education platform will support patient engagement, helping young people and their families better understand and manage their condition.
Supporting Young Patients Across Yorkshire
Leeds Children’s Hospital currently supports more than 500 young patients living with diabetes across Yorkshire. The specialist team provides care from diagnosis through to long-term follow-up, aiming to deliver the best possible health outcomes.
As part of the IMPACT-MED study, patients within both paediatric and young adult services will be invited to trial new digital innovations as part of their ongoing care, contributing valuable real-world insights to the European research programme.
Regional Innovation Backing
The initiative has been supported by Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, which has played a role in helping DigiBete navigate the complexities of healthcare innovation and regulation. Its Propel HealthTech accelerator programme has also supported the company’s development.
In addition, Leeds Teaching Hospitals’ Innovation Pop Up has helped connect clinicians with industry partners, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies can be introduced safely and effectively within NHS care pathways.
A Step Change for European Diabetes Care
IMPACT-MED represents a major opportunity to reshape how cardiometabolic diseases are managed, with a clear focus on scalable, digital-first solutions. For the NHS, Leeds’ involvement highlights the growing importance of integrated digital care models in improving patient outcomes and service efficiency.
Image credit: iStock
