The Omnipod 5 hybrid closed loop system has today been made available to people living with type 1 diabetes aged two years and older in the UK.
Omnipod 5 is made by Insulet, who are working with the NHS to ensure access for people living with type 1 diabetes, who will be eligible for the device, in line with recommendations from the ongoing National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) appraisal of hybrid closed loop.
How does Omnipod 5 work?
Omnipod 5 is the first tubeless hybrid closed loop system. It connects with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and delivers insulin doses automatically.
As this is a patch pump system it sits directly on the skin, which some users prefer because of fewer pieces of hardware required and lower risk of tubes getting caught or blocked.
The system features an integrated algorithm, known as the ‘SmartAdjust’ technology, which receives Dexcom G6 values and trends every five minutes.
Omnipod 5 can then predict what a person’s sugar levels will be 60 minutes later, and it automatically adjusts insulin doses or pauses insulin delivery based on a person’s blood sugar targets.
Insulet says this simplifies diabetes management by making insulin dosing decisions for a user, so they don’t have to.
The system, which is waterproof, also comes with an activity feature which can be enabled to reduce insulin delivery during exercise.
When will Omnipod 5 be available?
Omnipod 5 was made available in the US last year, and it is now available for people living with type 1 diabetes aged two years or older in the UK.
We are currently awaiting the final recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on hybrid closed loop technology.
Earlier this year, NICE released draft guidance in England and Wales which could mean that around 100,000 people with type 1 diabetes could be offered hybrid closed loop technology as an option to help manage their condition. We are expecting the final decision and rollout to begin later this year.
Omnipod 5 is now available on the NHS frameworks and Insulet is working with NHS Trusts to make Omnipod 5 available locally as rapidly as possible. You can check with your local diabetes team to see if the device will be available for you.
The Dexcom G6 CGM meanwhile is available on the NHS for those eligible or it can be self-funded, separately from the Omnipod 5.
Nikki Joule, Policy Manager at Diabetes UK, says:
“We welcome the news of the Omnipod 5 launching in the UK and the addition of another options to help people with type 1 diabetes manage their condition.
"As we look forward to the outcome of the NICE appraisal expected later this year which will make hybrid closed loop more widely available, it’s important that people have a range of systems to choose from to fit their individual needs and circumstances.”
