Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes in England will be offered a hybrid closed loop system, an automated insulin delivery device, to help reduce the risks of stillbirth and miscarriage. The system recognises that pregnancy hormones can complicate glucose control. NHS England said the technology will be available to about 2,000 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes each year, and to those planning a pregnancy as well. In the wider UK, around 400,000 people live with type 1 diabetes.

The system links to a mobile phone app and delivers precise insulin doses tailored for pregnancy. It allows users to set a lower glucose target to support better outcomes and enables remote monitoring by health staff, reducing the need for frequent in-person check-ups. Nina Willer, a diabetes specialist midwife in Norwich, has used the technology; during her first pregnancy she relied on finger-prick tests and hourly monitoring, while in a second pregnancy the artificial pancreas supported stable glucose and the baby was born healthy at 36 weeks.

Health officials said better glucose control can lower the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth and birth injuries. Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, welcomed the move as a way to make pregnancy safer and less stressful for women with type 1 diabetes. Partha Kar, NHS England’s diabetes technology lead, called the device an innovative tool that can improve maternal outcomes and simplify care. Diabetes UK policy lead Anthony Walker emphasised that making the most effective hybrid closed loop systems available is essential to ensure access for all eligible women.