The way funding for hybrid closed-loop technology works in Scotland is changing.
The Scottish Government has informed Diabetes Scotland and other stakeholders that centralised funding for hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems will end with effect from 2026/27. Access to this life-changing tech will instead be funded locally, through individual Health Boards.
This news will have no impact on people in Scotland with type 1 diabetes who are already using HCL tech – central funding will continue in these cases and access will not be affected. However, it remains unclear what the changes to funding arrangements will mean for those who seeking to access this technology in the future.
Guidance from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) clearly states that HCL technology should be the standard of care for those with type 1 diabetes who wish to use it. Until now, this has been made possible through the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver this nationally.
Our view on HCL funding
Diabetes Scotland acknowledges the substantial investment made to integrate HCL systems into routine diabetes care. Since 2024, the Scottish Government has invested £23.4 million of central funding to support the establishment of HCL as part of the current model of care for people living with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland.
Access to HCL should be fair, consistent and based on clinical need, not geography. But the move to local funding arrangements will present some challenges.
Waiting lists for technology are already substantial, progress in widening access to HCL has slowed, and inconsistency in delivery means that people living with type 1 diabetes face a postcode lottery of care.
We also recognise the difficult economic environment that Health Boards are currently operating in and the challenge of increasing demand on services. Timely access is essential to support people with diabetes to manage their condition effectively and to improve health outcomes.
What is Diabetes Scotland doing now?
Diabetes Scotland is seeking clarity around how local funding arrangements will be implemented to ensure access to this vital technology remains a priority.
We know that ensuring Health Boards have the resources, workforce capacity, and strategic plans to deliver diabetes technology consistently will be critical.
Diabetes Scotland’s priority now is to work with all Boards to secure clear commitments on funding, implementation plans, and staff training to avoid postcode variability and ensure continued improvement in access to life-changing diabetes technology.
We will continue to advocate on behalf of the type 1 diabetes community in Scotland to ensure that everyone who wishes to use HCL can do so now and in the years ahead.
