Diabetes Scotland have sent an open letter to the Scottish Government requesting they reconsider the decision to withdraw central funding for hybrid closed loop systems for people living with type 1 diabetes.
In April 2026, the Scottish Government announced that centralised funding for hybrid closed loop systems will end with effect from 2026/27. Access to this life-changing tech will instead be funded locally, through individual Health Boards.
People living with type 1 diabetes in Scotland who already use hybrid closed loop (HCL) systems won’t be affected, because central funding will continue in these case, but it is unclear what the changes to funding arrangements will mean for those who seeking to access this technology in the future.
This is why Diabetes Scotland have written this open letter, because this decision has serious implications not only for those directly affected, but also for the long-term sustainability, equity, and effectiveness of diabetes care across NHS Scotland.
Impact of this loss of investment
Diabetes Scotland has several concerns about this sudden loss of investment, which could be devastating for the diabetes community.
There is a very real concern that local health boards are neither financially able nor operationally prepared to meet increased demand for HCL, resulting in insufficient capacity to deliver HCL systems to those who need them.
This will inevitably lead to longer waiting lists and reduced access, at a time when demand for diabetes technology continues to grow and services are already under severe strain.
Additionally, any reduction in access to HCL technology will have a direct and negative impact on both the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with type 1 diabetes. Alongside the physical consequences associated with poorer glucose control, reduced access will increase stress, anxiety and diabetes-related distress for individuals and their families.
This is why we urge the Scottish Government to:
- Reinstate or maintain central funding for HCL systems to ensure equitable, national access across all NHS boards.
- Provide clear national leadership and accountability, including agreed targets, timelines, and expectations for health boards to deliver HCL systems consistently.
- Publish a transparent and sustainable delivery plan that sets out how access to HCL technology will be protected, funded, and supported in line with national clinical guidance.
We respectfully ask the Scottish Government to reverse this decision as a matter of urgency and reaffirm its commitment to equitable, evidence-based diabetes care.
Continued national funding for HCL is not only clinically justified, but essential to protecting the health, dignity and quality of life of people living with type 1 diabetes in Scotland.
Jenn Hall, National Director at Diabetes Scotland, said:
“Hybrid closed loop systems are not a ‘nice to have’ - they are life-changing for people living with type 1 diabetes. Removing central funding risks creating unacceptable inequalities in access across Scotland and places additional pressure on already stretched local services.
"Diabetes Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to reinstate sustainable national funding and protect equitable access to this vital technology for everyone who could benefit from it.”
