Closed-Loop Insulin Pumps: The Future of T1D Care
For families managing T1D, the dream has always been better blood sugar control with less effort. Enter closed-loop insulin pumps, often call the artificial pancreas- a game-changing technology that’s making life easier for people with diabetes.
But what exactly is a closed-loop system? How does it work and is it right for your child? Let’s break it all down.
What Is a Closed-Loop Insulin Pump?
A closed-loop system is a combination of three devices working together:
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)- This sensor tracks blood sugar levels in real-time.
An Insulin Pump- Delivers fast-acting insulin through a small tube or patch
A Smart Algorithm- A clever bit of technology that connects the CGM to the pump, automatically adjusting insulin based on blood sugar levels.
This means the system continuously monitors glucose and adjusts insulin delivery- without you having to make every single decision manually.
It’s as close as we’ve ever come to an artificial pancreas!
How Does It Work?
Reads Blood Sugar Levels- the CGM checks glucose every few minutes
Predicts Future Trends- The system looks at past data to estimate where blood sugar is heading
Adjusts Insulin Automatically- If glucose is rising, the pump increases insulin. If it’s dropping, it reduces or stops insulin delivery.
Instead of reacting to blood sugar swings after they happen, a closed-loop system works in the background to keep levels as steady as possible.
But do you still have to bolus for meals?
Yes! Most closed-loop systems still require you to enter carbs and bolus for meals- though some systems can handle small snacks automatically.
What Are the Benefits?
More Time in Range- Less time dealing with highs and lows
Better Sleep- Night-time highs and lows? The system handles most of them
Easier Mealtimes- Some systems adjust insulin based on food intake, making carb counting less stressful
Less Work for Parents & Teens- Less manual adjusting= more time living life
And, of course, fewer diabetes-related arguments- which is a win for everyone!
What Are the Downsides?
Not Completely Hands-Free- You still need to bolus for meals and do site changes
Sensor Accuracy Matters- If the CGM gives dodgy readings, the system can’t work properly
More Tech= More Charging- Pumps, sensors, phones…something always needs charging!
Cost & NHS Access- Some closed-loop systems are available on the NHS, but access depends on elegibility and local funding.
Which Closed-Loop Systems Are Available in the UK?
As of 2025, here are the main systems used in the UK:
CamAPS FX- Works with the Dana RS or CamDiab pumps and Dexcom CGM. Available on the NHS for some children and adults.
Tandem t:slim X2 with Control-IQ- Uses Dexcom CGM and predicts highs/lows up to 30 minutes in advance.
Medtronic 780G- Uses Medtronic’s own CGM and can auto-correct high blood sugars.
Omnipod 5- Tubeless system featuring ‘SmartAdjust’ technology, integrates with Dexcom CGM
Is a Closed-Loop System Right for My Child?
It might be a great fit if:
You’re looking for tighter control with less manual effort
Your child wears a CGM consistently
You’re comfortable with technology
It might not be the best fit it:
Your child frequently removed their pump or CGM.
You prefer full manual control over insulin delivery
You don’t want to deal with tech issues like Bluetooth dropouts
Final Thoughts: The Future of Diabetes Care
Closed-loop pumps aren’t perfect, but they’re a huge step forward in making T1D easier to manage. If your child qualifies for an NHS-funded system, it’s definitely worth exploring with their diabetes team.
And who knows? In the near future, we might see fully hands-free artificial pancreas systems that eliminate carb counting and bolusing altogether.
Until then, closed-loop technology is helping families sleep better, worry less and spend more time just being children and teenagers- which is exactly how it should be.
