The National Hybrid Closed Loop and Type 1 Diabetes Outpatient Transformation Programme

The National Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) and Type 1 Diabetes Outpatient Transformation Programme is supporting the NHS to improve outcomes for people living with type 1 diabetes by increasing access to Hybrid Closed Loop technology. The programme is led by Health Innovation Network South London and NHS England, working in partnership with the regional Health Innovation Networks, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS providers and clinical teams across England.

Why this work matters

Around 267,000 people in England are living with type 1 diabetes, a lifelong autoimmune condition that requires continuous insulin therapy and regular blood glucose monitoring (1). Managing the condition can place a significant daily burden on individuals and families, while poor glucose control increases the risk of serious long-term complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and vision loss.

Hybrid Closed Loop technology combines continuous glucose monitoring with automated insulin delivery to help people maintain blood glucose levels within target range. Evidence shows that HCL systems can improve glucose control, reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications and lessen the day-to-day demands of managing the condition, helping people to live healthier and more independent lives (2).

The national programme builds on the implementation of NICE Technology Appraisal TA943, supporting equitable adoption of HCL technology while using the opportunity to redesign outpatient diabetes services to deliver more personalised, efficient and sustainable care (3).