More diabetic islanders to get insulin pumps

Thursday, 30 July 2026 13:10

By Amelia Averis

Health and Care and Diabetes Jersey have committed to accelerating access to closed-loop insulin pumps for islanders.

The wearable technology, which automatically delivers insulin in response to changes in blood glucose, is hailed as 'life-changing', reducing the burden of living with diabetes.

The alternative is regular blood tests and self-administering insulin.

Under the partnership, Diabetes Jersey will provide £112,000 to fund seven devices for two years, after which HCJ will assume full responsibility for the pumps’ continued provision.

Bill O'Brien, Diabetes Jersey chairman, said:

"Diabetes Jersey is delighted that having collaborated with the Minister for Health and the executive team at Health and Care Jersey, this Memorandum of Understanding has now been signed by both parties."

The funding comes after the Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Tom Binet signed a Ministerial Decision last year to transfer £120,000 from the E.J. Bailhache Charitable Trust to pay for additional insulin pumps.

Senator Binet said:

"Managing type 1 diabetes is a constant part of everyday life for many Islanders. By working in partnership with Diabetes Jersey, we are helping more people access technology that can make managing their condition easier, improve their wellbeing, and support better long-term health outcomes.

"I would like to thank Diabetes Jersey for its continued commitment to improving diabetes care in Jersey."

32 new patients will begin pump treatment this year, comprising the 18 patients originally planned, plus an additional 14 patients funded through charitable support provided by Diabetes Jersey and Senator Binet.