The revolutionary technology consists of an insulin pump, a glucose sensor and an advanced algorithm that runs 24/7 on a mobile phone app, which calculates and delivers the precise insulin dosages a woman requires before and during pregnancy.

It also uniquely allows the pregnant women to set a glucose target- unlike other artificial pancreases – to the lower level required to achieve better outcomes in pregnancy.

More than 600 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes have already been given the life-changing technology by NHS diabetes specialist midwives and diabetologists, under the initiative's first phase.

Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, said: ‘This life-changing technology is great news for women with type 1 diabetes because their chronic condition can make it difficult for them to effectively regulate their blood glucose levels to have a safe pregnancy. 

‘Effective management of blood glucose levels before and during pregnancy for women living with type 1 diabetes has been shown to reduce the risk of poor maternity outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth birth and birth injuries, and minimise risk to a baby's development.

‘The NHS is offering this cutting-edge artificial pancreas because we want to transform the experiences of women with type 1 diabetes – helping to make this special time in their life safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.'