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Type 1 DiabetesMarch 2022Summary reviewed September 2026

Automated Insulin System Kept Blood Sugar in Range 80% of the Time in Older Type 1 Diabetics

Older adults with type 1 diabetes who used an automated insulin pump stayed in their target blood sugar range 80% of the time — 9 percentage points better than standard pump therapy. The system adjusts insulin automatically throughout the day and night, reducing the daily burden of diabetes management.

What the trial was testing

The trial enrolled 38 patients with type 1 diabetes. The study was sponsored by University of Cambridge and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

Researchers followed patients through treatment and into recovery, tracking the outcomes that mattered most for the disease being studied.

What the results showed

The automated system kept blood sugar in range 80% of the time versus 71% with standard pumps.

The lancet. Healthy longevity · 2022 · NCT04025762

These findings — that blood sugar stayed in healthy range with automated insulin delivery — were published in the The lancet. Healthy longevity and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 38 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with type 1 diabetes, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

If you're over 60 with type 1 diabetes and already use an insulin pump, this automated system could give you better control with less work. It adjusts your insulin every few minutes based on your glucose readings. The system is FDA-approved and available now — ask your doctor if it's right for you.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.