The new diabetes revolution is here – but is it all good news?

Adults and children with type 1 diabetes will be eligible to access ‘life-changing’ technology on the NHS. But, warns James Moore, it won’t benefit everyone

An end to life as a human pin cushion? New tech is revolutionising lives, but some are being left out (PA Wire)

A bona fide technological and medical revolution has been announced that will “transform the lives” of some 150,000 people with type 1 autoimmune diabetes in England and Wales, with the other home nations (hopefully) to follow.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the rollout of what is known as the “hybrid closed loop (HCL)”. It’s not exactly an artificial pancreas, and it’s not a cure –but it is an important development for those whose immune systems have contrived to blow their pancreas up. Mine did that when I was just two years old.

How does it work? The tech takes the readings from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) – most people with T1 wear a sensor on their arm that does the job – and then uses an advanced algorithm to automate the delivery of insulin via a pump.