A major UK-wide study led by Professor May Ng OBE is shining a powerful spotlight on a decade of persistent hidden inequalities affecting children with type 1 access to life-changing diabetes technology.
Funded by Diabetes UK, the UNBIASED study is the first national research effort to explore why some children and young people are missing out on modern diabetes technologies such as insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and hybrid closed-loop technology that can dramatically improve health and quality of life.
Despite NHS guidance since 2023 supporting universal access to such technologies, disparities persist highlighting a troubling gap between policy and real-world delivery.
The recent National Paediatric Diabetes Audit published in March 2026 shows persistent variation and inequalities in HbA1c outcomes and usage if diabetes technologies by deprivation and ethnic group for over a decade.
Diabetes technology has transformed care; however, the UNBIASED study reveals that not all children are benefiting equally.
Children from ethnic minority backgrounds and those living in more deprived areas are significantly less likely to access or use these technologies, and as a result, often experience poorer glucose control than their peers.
The study used a multi-method, participatory approach, bringing together children and young people with type 1 diabetes, parents and carers and healthcare professionals across the NHS.
Through interviews and workshops, researchers gathered real-life experiences that reveal the complexity of the problem.
Some families reported language barriers and miscommunication, while others misunderstood costs – believing they had to pay for devices that are actually free through the NHS.
Healthcare professionals also highlighted systemic challenges such as regional variation in services, limited resources, unconscious bias and lack of culturally appropriate education
These findings reflect a broader “digital divide” in healthcare where those who could benefit most from innovation are often least likely to receive it.
Importantly, the study does not just highlight problems – it offers clear, actionable solutions. Recommendations include improved culturally tailored education and communication, nationally standardised pathways to reduce regional inequality, greater awareness campaigns for families, enhanced training for healthcare professionals to address unconscious bias and stronger community and peer support networks.
Professor May Ng OBE said: “No child with type 1 diabetes should be disadvantaged because of their background, postcode or circumstances.
“The UNBIASED study highlights that while technology has the power to transform lives, access to it is not yet equitable.”
She added: “We must now work together as clinicians, policymakers, and communities to ensure that every child has the same opportunity to benefit from these life-changing advances.”
Diabetes UK has also emphasised that tackling inequality remains central to its mission, pledging to monitor progress and address emerging barriers as technology rollout continues.
Discover the research at www.diabetes.org.uk/unbiased.
