13 November 2025

A family, spanning three generations have had their lives transformed thanks to the advancements in technology that have seen the introduction of the hybrid closed loop (HCL) system – also known as an artificial pancreas.

30-year-old Amy- who lives with Type 1 Diabetes, shares how the new closed loop system has completely changed her life and helped her become a first-time mum.

“The technology has been absolutely life changing. My husband and I have always wanted to be parents, and the closed loop system gave me the confidence to be able to start trying. Having Type 1 diabetes makes pregnancy high risk, however thanks to the Hybrid Closed Loop System, I was able to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. My baby maintained a healthy weight throughout, and much of the mental burden was reduced.”

The device detects glucose levels, transmits the readings to the delivery system, known as the pump, which then initiates the process of determining the required insulin dosage. It removes the need to draw blood or perform frequent finger pricks for blood glucose readings.

Professor Partha Kar, a Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and Type 1 Diabetes & Technology Lead, (former National Speciality Advisor for Diabetes), NHS England said:

“The benefits to patients who are now able to manage their Type 1 Diabetes through the Hybrid Closed Loop system are second to none. The removal of the constant stress that comes with having to manage your Type 1 Diabetes cannot be underestimated. Through the advancements of technology and medicine we are transforming the quality and health of people’s lives.”

Daughter and first-time mum Amy was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just two years of age in 1997. Five years later Amy’s mum, Annabel, was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 27.

Amy gave birth to her baby daughter Aurora, via a caesarean section in September 2025, shares how her husband was able to help manage her diabetes throughout the surgery.

“As I had to have a planned caesarean, it was important that my glucose and insulin levels were well managed throughout. My husband was able to keep the system up to date throughout the procedure using the app on my mobile phone.”

Annabel, also shared how the new system has helped to take off some of the mental weight that comes with being a Type 1 diabetic. “Before using the closed loop, a lot of your day was spent worrying if you were going to have a hypo in case you got caught up in things you were doing.”

The term “hypos” refers to moments of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) which can lead to seizures or a coma or even be life-threatening.

Annabel continued: “I now feel safer and have more freedom with things like meals out where you have to guess the insulin requirements or physical activity without having to worry so much about levels becoming so high or low as the HCL will make adjustments to mitigate if levels are not in the targets sets.”

Reflecting on their care under the diabetes team at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Annabel said: “The whole team have been fantastic throughout, sometimes in quite difficult circumstances. For example, when Amy was a toddler in those days, we would have to administer her insulin with a syringe, so to see the change with HCL by the time she had her own children is quite emotional.”

World Diabetes Day takes place on Friday 14 November 2025