A trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital found patients as young as seven were successfully able to switch to pills and often preferred them to liquid medicines. The trial involved 19 children aged seven to 13 with congenital hyperinsulinism, a condition where they take diazoxide multiple times a day to keep their blood sugar levels stable. Patients were monitored to ensure their blood glucose levels remained stable during the switch, and the cost savings are significant: liquid diazoxide costs £15.50 per 50mg, while tablet diazoxide costs £1.15 per 50mg.
One case study highlights the practical benefits: Jess Manktelow, an 11-year-old with congenital hyperinsulinism, was switched to diazoxide tablets in April 2025. Before the switch, her school and family life was organized around taking liquid diazoxide multiple times a day, which needs storage at room temperature in a glass bottle and drawing up with a syringe.
Great Ormond Street Hospital is planning to assess whether patients as young as four can successfully switch to cheaper tablets.