New position statement says diabetes technology should not be stopped automatically in hospital

The statement echoes what many people told us through Facing the Future, our type 1 diabetes and ageing report. Care should recognise people’s experience, respect what they know about their own condition, and support them to stay as independent as possible. For people who use diabetes technology day to day, this includes not stopping devices automatically when they go into hospital. 

The position statement, published in Diabetologia, was written by an international group of diabetes clinicians and researchers, including experts from NHS diabetes centres and UK universities. It says diabetes technology should not be stopped automatically when someone is admitted to hospital. Instead, healthcare teams should assess whether the person can continue using it safely, or whether staff can support its use.

What the position statement says

The statement covers continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and hybrid closed loop systems, also known as automated insulin delivery systems. Rather than recommending one approach for everyone, it says these devices may be suitable to keep using in hospital, while recognising that extra checks, support or a different approach may be needed. Continued use should be reviewed if someone becomes more unwell, has surgery, is fasting, takes steroids or has changes to food intake or insulin needs.

Why this matters for people with T1D

Many people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) use technology to help keep glucose levels in range and reduce the risk of highs and lows. Being asked to stop using it in hospital can feel like a loss of control, especially when they use it safely day to day. The statement also recognises that technology can give useful information between routine bedside checks, particularly for people who have frequent hypos or do not always notice the signs of low glucose. 

Hilary Nathan, Director of Policy and Communications at Breakthrough T1D UK, said: “This position statement is an important step, but recommendations only make a difference if they change what happens on the ward. People with T1D should not have to argue to keep using the technology that helps them manage their condition safely. We now need to see these recommendations reflected in official guidance, backed by clear hospital policies, staff training and access to specialist support.” 

Safety still comes first

The statement does not say that devices should always stay on in every situation. Hospital care can involve sudden changes, including acute illness, scans, operations, medicines and changes in eating patterns. In some cases, it may be safer to pause a device or use hospital-managed insulin instead. 

It also says hospitals may still need to use finger-prick or bedside glucose checks, especially if symptoms do not match sensor readings, glucose levels are changing quickly, or staff need to confirm a result before making treatment decisions.