A hybrid closed loop insulin pump can adjust your insulin automatically based on your blood glucose levels.

It works by joining together:

• a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
• an insulin pump
• a computer program that helps decide how much insulin you need

The CGM measures your glucose levels all the time. The pump gives the insulin. The computer program uses your glucose readings to decide how much insulin to give to keep your glucose in your target range. It considers food, exercise and your body’s insulin sensitivity. However, you still need to tell the pump how many carbohydrates you eat and when you exercise so the system can adjust the insulin for you.

• More stable glucose levels – It helps keep your levels in range more often.
• Fewer hypos – Because the system reduces insulin when your glucose levels are dropping.
• Less stress – The system makes many small adjustments for you, so you don’t have to do all the calculations.
• Better sleep – It can help manage glucose levels overnight, reducing night‑time highs and lows.
• More confidence to be active – The system reacts to changes caused by exercise.
• Improved quality of life – Many people find life with diabetes feels a little easier.

Hybrid closed loop pumps are very helpful tools for managing diabetes, but they are not a cure. You still need to keep an eye on your glucose levels and update the pump when needed.

You can find out more information about hybrid closed loop pumps here

NHS Forth Valley offers four insulin pump systems: Mylife Ypsopump, Tandem t:slim, MiniMed 780G, and Omnipod 5. There are links below to each of the pump companies websites and useful videos to help you find out more about each system.

To be considered for an insulin pump in NHS Forth Valley, you must:

1. Have Type 1 Diabetes. Insulin pumps are not for people with Type 2 Diabetes.
2. Take insulin using several injections each day (basal bolus or multiple daily injections – MDI).
3. Go to your clinic appointments regularly.
4. Keep a close eye on your glucose levels and be happy to share your data with your diabetes team.
5. Understanding carbohydrate counting can help you get more out of your pump, but it’s not essential.

What is involved

When you start using an insulin pump, you will need to learn how it works and how to use it day to day. To do this, you will need to attend teaching sessions.

Online training

Most people complete their training online through the National Diabetes Closed Loop System (CLS) Onboarding Programme. This programme teaches you step by step how to:

• Set up your insulin pump
• Understand how the system works
• Manage your pump day to day

Many people find this online training easy to follow and helpful. The sessions are held in small groups, with appointments over 4 to 6 weeks.

To take part in online training, you will need:

• Basic computer skills
• Access to a laptop, PC, iPad
• A camera for online sessions

Face-to-face training

Some people cannot attend online sessions. If this applies to you, please speak to the diabetes team to discuss face-to-face training.

Whether you attend online training or face to face, it is very important to attend all appointments. This will help make sure you learn everything you need to use your insulin pump safely and with confidence.