The United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued positive guidance for the use of Medtronic insulin pump systems integrated with glucose sensors, for managing Type 1 diabetes and the avoidance of potentially life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes.

The guidance reviewed two sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy systems and recommends the MiniMed Paradigm Veo system for managing glucose levels in people with Type 1 diabetes who experience 'disabling hypoglycemia' - defined as repeated and unpredictable occurrence of low-blood sugar attacks that result in persistent anxiety about recurrence, and is associated with a significant adverse impact on quality of life.

Since the assessment of the MiniMed Paradigm Veo system in the Diagnostics Assessment Programme (DAP), NICE has recognised that in 2015, Medtronic launched a successor system, MiniMed 640G.

The MiniMed Paradigm Veo and MiniMed 640G systems, are the only systems said to offer low glucose suspend mode, both incorporate continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, providing users with a more complete picture of their glucose levels. The system alerts users when their sensor glucose levels are falling too low or rising too high, and also mimics the human pancreas' ability to suspend insulin delivery automatically - protecting against the risk of ahypo, even when a person is asleep or unable to react.

Commenting on the guidance, Consultant Diabetologist of Harrogate District Hospital and ex-Clinical Lead for the NHS Diabetes National Insulin Pump Network, Dr Peter Hammond, said, "Avoiding episodes of severe or disabling hypoglycemia (hypos) can be one of the biggest challenges associated with managing Type 1 diabetes. Preventing hypoglycemic attacks, which put the lives of patients at risk and lead to costly A&E admissions and hospitalization, is a priority area for the NHS."

"The Medtronic system recommended by NICE incorporates sensor technology, continuously monitoring sugar and shutting-off insulin when needed, to reduce the risk of a hypo. Insulin pump therapy systems combined with continuous glucose sensing and automated suspension of insulin delivery can be a lifesaver for those who have lost the ability to recognise when they are experiencing a hypoglycemic episode, and are also very reassuring for parents of children with Type 1 diabetes who fear night-time hypoglycemia. This guidance is extremely positive; acknowledging the latest technology and confirming the vital role of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy with automated insulin suspend in the effective treatment of Type 1 diabetes," he added.

This diagnostics guidance supports the use of the MiniMed Paradigm Veo system for managing glucose levels in people with Type 1 diabetes if they have episodes of disabling hypoglycemia despite optimal management with continuous subcutaneous (under the skin) insulin infusion and Medtronic arranges to collect, analyse and publish data on the use of the MiniMed Paradigm Veo system and successor technologies with low-glucose suspend function.