Children with type 1 diabetes have been able to use pioneering pancreas technology overnight at home for the first time without supervision.
The University of Cambridge-devised artificial pancreas promises to dramatically improve quality of life of people with type 1 diabetes, which typically develops in childhood. The latest trial, coordinated by the University and funded by diabetes charity JDRF, has shown for the first time globally that unsupervised use of the artificial pancreas overnight can be safe - while also providing exciting benefits.
Participants, all aged between 12 and 18, saw improved blood glucose control during the trial, experiencing fewer nights with hypoglycaemic episodes, generally known as hypos. A hypo occurs when the blood glucose level of someone living with type 1 diabetes falls dangerously low. Without proper treatment, it may cause unconsciousness and even death.
The figure of ten hypos per week has emerged through a first ever real-time information haul of more than 10,000 UK residents with type 1 diabetes.
All previous artificial pancreas trials, in hospitals and in home environments, have seen researchers strictly monitor patients. News of the successful unsupervised trial has had a positive response from UK celebrities that live with type 1 diabetes.
Hollywood actor Jeremy Irvine, who is a JDRF supporter, has lived with type 1 diabetes since the age of six. He said: "When the chance came for me to take part in early artificial pancreas trials a few years ago, I jumped at the opportunity. I wanted to play my own very small part in moving the artificial pancreas closer to reality. I'm really excited to hear of this latest progress - the scientists behind it are my heroes."
Dr Roman Hovorka from the University of Cambridge is leading the UK effort to develop an effective artificial pancreas. As principal researcher on the trial, he said: "The study is an important stepping stone for the wider use of an artificial pancreas. We have shown that overnight home use is feasible and beneficial - allowing people to live their life more freely."
He added: "The artificial pancreas is expected to transform the treatment of type 1 diabetes and we have proven that this promise holds. The success of this trial means that larger and longer studies are already in the pipeline."
Katharine Barnard, from the Human Development and Health Academic Unit at the University of Southampton, worked with Dr Hovorka on the trial to evaluate psychosocial impact. She said: "Hypoglycaemia - particularly at night - is a common fear among those living with type 1 diabetes and a major obstacle in achieving optimal blood glucose levels. The findings from this study are positive and are certainly worth investigating further."
She added: "Reassurance, confidence and improved diabetes control are just some of the psychological and physical benefits that patients may witness as artificial pancreas technology continues to develop."
Karen Addington, is UK Chief Executive of JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity which funded Dr Hovorka's study. She said: "Type 1 diabetes is a challenging and complex condition that requires constant management every day. At JDRF we remain focused on improving lives until we find the cure."
She added: "Hypos are what people living with type 1 diabetes hate most. Ten hypos a week is a shockingly high figure, demonstrating just how much we need the artificial pancreas to become an accessible reality. Thankfully, the results of this latest artificial pancreas study are really exciting."
