Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the introduction of teplizumab contributes to reducing rates of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis and inequalities in outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes.

Teplizumab is a new treatment for people aged eight years old and over with stage 2 type 1 diabetes, before the onset of symptoms. Its introduction represents a significant development in the treatment of type 1 diabetes and requires new clinical pathways and service arrangements to support safe and equitable access.

NHS England is working with integrated care boards, clinicians, patient groups, charities, and industry partners to support the development of these pathways. This work is already underway and is focused on helping local systems prepare for implementation and supporting consistent access across the country.

Evidence considered by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence indicates that teplizumab can delay progression to stage 3 type 1 diabetes by almost three years on average. This gives people and their families additional time to understand the condition, prepare for future treatment and monitoring needs, and engage with clinical support before symptoms develop. Earlier identification and planned clinical management may help reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis.

Integrated care boards will be required to make teplizumab available to all eligible individuals within the statutory 90 day implementation period. NHS England will continue to provide national leadership, including through a community of practice to share learning, support implementation, and ensure that health inequalities are identified and addressed appropriately.