NHS patients in England with Type 1 diabetes will soon be eligible for continuous glucose monitors after a new deal was signed.
Diabetes patients will be able to monitor their glucose levels at all times without having to scan or take a finger prick test, with the use of a wearable arm gadget, which sends information to a mobile app.
A new deal with manufacturers DEXCOM, means that continuous glucose monitors will now be available for NHS patients on prescription.
It is believed that the rollout of the technology will help diabetes patients better manage their condition and therefore reduce hospitalisations and associated diabetic illnesses which will in turn reduce pressure on the NHS.
Dr Partha Kar, national speciality advisor for diabetes and obesity said: “This is a huge step forward for Type 1 diabetes care and these monitors will be life-changing for anyone with the illness – giving them more choice to manage their condition in the most convenient way possible – as well as the best chance at living healthier lives, reducing their risk of hospitalisation and illnesses associated with diabetes, which in turn reduces pressure on wider NHS services.
“The new deal also delivers on our commitment to get patients the latest cutting-edge medical technology at the best value for taxpayer money – saving the NHS millions over the coming years”.
Andy Lavender, Live Well co-ordinator for the NHS and a local chair for the charity Diabetes UK has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since he was two years old.
He said: “I hope this will be the beginning of the end of people needing to draw blood several times a day to test their blood glucose. My CGM changed my life, I would test my bloods 14 times a day and now I just look at my smartphone and my blood glucose is there.
“I know many people won’t test blood glucose in public or in a coffee shop and they will go to the toilet to test, but now they can just glance at the screen. It’s less painful, less stressful and far better to control a condition that can be affected by so many things.”
