The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a draft guidance for an 'artificial pancreas' device for women with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
The device, known as a hybrid closed loop (HCL) system, automatically monitors blood sugar and delivers insulin through a small pump worn on the body.
Patients using this need not undergo frequent finger-prick tests and take insulin injections.
Clinical trials show that HCL systems help women maintain safer blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy.
Managing safe blood sugar levels during pregnancy is critical because if they are too high or too low, it can cause serious harm to the mother and baby.
The risks include miscarriage, premature birth, and complications during labour.
Eric Power, interim director of the centre for guidelines at NICE, said, "Thousands of women with type 1 diabetes give birth in England and Wales every year. Every one of them faces the challenge of maintaining safe blood sugar levels for themselves and their baby, from the moment they start planning a pregnancy."
This device helps people spend significantly more time within safe blood sugar ranges, he added.
Diabetes UK chief executive Colette Marshall said, “Hybrid closed-loop technology is highly effective in helping people with type 1 diabetes manage their condition, improving their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
“It can be particularly important during pregnancy, when keeping blood glucose levels in the target range reduces the risk of harm to both parent and child.
“We welcome this new guidance as it will greatly improve the experiences of people with type 1 diabetes during pregnancy.”
