Tubeless insulin pump trialled at a London hospital

The upgraded system allows users more discretion when taking insulin.

A new insulin pump is being trialled by patients with diabetes at King’s College Hospital in London to help manage their condition.

In an upgrade to existing versions, the tubeless device is attached to the wearer’s body.

A smartphone-like touchscreen handset allows users with type 1 diabetes to discreetly take insulin as required.

Researchers said the device (made by Insulet) can provide up to three days of insulin delivery without the need for daily injections.

Ben Smith from Streatham, has been cared for by the diabetes team at King’s for the last 10 years and was the first patient at the hospital to use the new insulin pump, said: “I’ve been using a wireless insulin pump for seven years and it has had a huge impact on my quality of life - I can just get on with my daily routine.”

Ben, 37, who works in finance and enjoys keeping fit – currently in training to run in the 2020 London Marathon, added: “The upgraded system is just like a mobile phone so programming my meals is more intuitive and user-friendly than before. The data collected will help the team at King’s to monitor my condition and allow me to continue managing my diabetes.

“The diabetes service at King’s is second to none. It’s progressive and has offered me innovative solutions to manage my condition and lead an active, healthy lifestyle.”

Dr Pratik Choudhary, Consultant in Diabetes at King’s College Hospital, said: “We are proud to be the first centre in the UK to offer this new device, which will help expand choice available for people with diabetes, including those on multiple daily injections who are using or considering the use of insulin pump therapy.”

King’s College Hospital runs the largest insulin pump service in the UK and has long been at the forefront of bringing the latest technology to its patients. In 2015, King’s trialled an implantable blood sugar monitor that can stay in the body for up to five months.

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