Life changing diabetes technology helping children across Cheshire and Merseyside

Children and young people living with type 1 diabetes across Cheshire and Merseyside are seeing major improvements to their daily lives thanks to the rollout of advanced NHS diabetes technology.

Hospital teams at Arrowe Park, Warrington and Whiston have introduced hybrid closed loop systems to hundreds of young patients, helping families manage the condition with less stress, greater independence and fewer disruptions to everyday life.

The technology combines continuous glucose monitoring, an insulin pump and a smart algorithm that automatically adjusts insulin levels throughout the day and night. While users still enter information at mealtimes, much of the monitoring and decision making is handled by the system.

The impact has been significant, with children experiencing fewer episodes of high and low blood sugar levels, improved sleep and increased confidence both at school and during activities. Parents and carers have also reported less anxiety and fewer overnight checks.

One young patient said: “When I got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I hated it. I would always have to get injections, which I really hated because I felt singled out.

“I have been on a pump for six months now and it’s changed my life completely. I can now have a normal life like my friends and take insulin easily. I feel like I can be a child again now.”

The increased use of insulin pumps and hybrid closed loop systems followed a pilot funded by NHS England and Beyond, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Children and Young People’s Transformation Programme.

The initiative was launched after national data showed that children living in more deprived communities were far less likely to access diabetes technology, despite clear evidence that it can improve both health outcomes and quality of life.

Between 2022 and 2024, the programme helped 309 young patients access new diabetes technology through additional clinical support, education and specialist care.

The project successfully reached families in some of the most deprived communities in the country, with 65 per cent of patients supported at Arrowe Park coming from these areas, alongside 49 per cent at Whiston and 42 per cent at Warrington and Halton.

Patients using hybrid closed loop systems also saw an average 7.5 per cent increase in the amount of time their blood glucose remained within the target range, alongside a 10 per cent reduction in average blood sugar levels within just three months.

Since the pilot ended, all three NHS trusts have continued to expand the programme and are now among the leading performers in the North West for diabetes outcomes in children and young people.

Dr Fiona Lemmens, Executive Clinical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “This is just one of the ways we are delivering the NHS 10 Year Plan’s ambition to shift from analogue to digital. By embracing innovative technologies like hybrid closed loop systems, we are transforming how care is delivered, making it more personalised and responsive.

“The impact of this technology on children and families cannot be overstated. We are seeing young people who feel more confident, more independent and far less defined by their condition, all the while reducing the risk of long term complications and future demand for NHS services.”

Health leaders say improving blood sugar control during childhood can help reduce the risk of serious future complications including kidney disease, blindness, cardiovascular conditions and emergency hospital admissions, helping young people enjoy healthier futures while easing pressure on NHS services.

Visit the NHS website for more information.

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