Access to latest technology expanded for people with type 1 diabetes

Expanding access to the latest technology for a further 2,500 people living with type 1 diabetes will have a “life-changing” impact, the public health minister has said.

The Scottish Government said that an additional £6.9m Scottish Government funding this year is expanding access to closed loop systems, prioritising children and adults who health boards believe will benefit the most.

Closed loop systems use a blood glucose sensor linked to a pump to automatically calculate how much insulin should be delivered – reducing the need to work out dosages and take injections.

During the first year of the programme in 2024-25, the Scottish Government invested £8.8m and around 2,100 people received closed loop systems; including approximately 77% of under=18s with type 1 diabetes.

In 2025-2026 health boards will receive £7.5m ongoing funding for the programme and £6.9m to support adding 2,500 more people.

Training, education and support is given remotely by health professionals including specialist nurses and dietitians.

Public health minister Jenni Minto said: “Expanding access to closed loop systems will have a life-changing impact on those living with type 1 diabetes.

“These technologies greatly reduce the risk of long term complications and removes much of the burden of managing the condition on a day-to-day basis.

“More than a century since insulin was first discovered, technology continues to change lives for the better.

“I hope all children and adults who benefit from these technologies go on to lead healthy and active lives with the support of treatment advances such as this.

“We are harnessing innovation, in line with our 10-year Service Renewal Framework, to help people better manage their own treatment.

“This will shape an efficient health and social care system which delivers high quality care at the right time in the right place.”

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects more than 35,000 people in Scotland, including around 3,340 children.