Closed-loop therapy can greatly improve glycaemic control in very young children with type 1 diabetes without increasing hypoglycaemic episodes, according to a landmark trial.

A hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system also leads to fewer, and less severe, hyperglycaemic episodes, UK researchers say.

Given the challenges associated with diabetes management in under-sevens, their international team suggest closed-loop control not only may reduce the risk of neurocognitive deficits but also provides additional benefits to parents and caregivers.

In a randomised, multicentre trial, the authors assessed the efficacy and safety of an artificial pancreas in 74 children (aged between one and seven years; mean age six) who had type 1 diabetes and were receiving insulin-pump therapy.