Thousands of pregnant women in England living with type 1 diabetes are set to benefit from a first-of-its-kind NHS initiative, offering access to a pregnancy-specific artificial pancreas to help manage blood glucose levels and protect maternal and baby health.
The hybrid closed-loop system, also known as an artificial pancreas, is being provided to women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The technology combines an insulin pump, glucose sensor, and a smartphone app powered by an advanced algorithm that calculates and delivers precise insulin doses 24/7.
According to NHS data, around 2,000 women with type 1 diabetes become pregnant each year. Pregnancy hormones can make blood glucose regulation more difficult, increasing the risk of:
- Stillbirth and miscarriage
- Birth injuries
- Neonatal intensive care
- Larger babies, which are predisposed to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease later in life
The new system allows women to set a lower glucose target tailored for pregnancy, improving outcomes and reducing complications.
Chief Midwifery Officer for England, Kate Brintworth, commented:
“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.
“Effective management of blood glucose levels before and during pregnancy for women living with type 1 diabetes has been shown to reduce the risk of poor maternity outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth birth and birth injuries, and minimise risk to a baby’s development.
“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.”
Over 600 women have already received the technology during the first phase of the rollout. The system eliminates the need for finger-prick tests and manual insulin injections, while enabling remote monitoring by NHS diabetes teams. This means mums-to-be can receive check-ups from home, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.
The rollout is a key component of version 3 of NHS England’s Saving Babies’ Lives care bundle, which aims to reduce stillbirths, preterm births, and brain injuries. The initiative reflects the NHS’s commitment to digital innovation, personalised care, and health equity.
Image credit: iStock
