Thousands of pregnant people with type 1 diabetes are to receive a pregnancy-specific, ‘artificial pancreas’ from the NHS to protect mothers and babies’ health.

As part of a first-of-its kind initiative for the NHS in England, local healthcare systems are offering an enhanced type of hybrid closed loop system to women who have type 1 diabetes who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, so they can effectively manage their blood glucose levels.

Each year, around 2,000 people in England with type 1 diabetes become pregnant each year.

The technology includes an insulin pump, a glucose sensor, and an advanced algorithm that runs 24/7 on a mobile phone app, which calculates and delivers the precise insulin dosages a woman requires before and during pregnancy.

More than 600 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes have already been given the life-changing technology.

Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said: “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”.