Around eight in ten people with Type 1 diabetes now have access to life-changing technology, thanks to cost-effective deals secured for patients and rapidly rolled out by the NHS.
Just over 200,000 patients are now using non-invasive glucose monitoring devices (CGMs) that allow people to check their glucose levels more easily and regularly – up by a third (around 50,000) compared to the spring. Two-thirds of local NHS areas are offering these devices to patients.
The newer wearable arm gadget sends information automatically to a mobile app and allows diabetes patients to always keep track of their glucose levels without having to scan or take a finger prick test.
The NHS aims for all integrated care boards (ICBs) to be offering both flash and CGM monitors in 2023 and the wider rollout of this technology will help diabetes patients manage their condition better – reducing hospital admissions and associated diabetes complications which will ultimately ease the pressure off the NHS.
In line with NICE guidance, patients will be offered either monitor depending on their needs following consultation with a local clinician.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said of the development: “Hundreds of thousands of patients now have access to this cutting-edge technology – helping them to better manage their diabetes whether they’re at home or on the move.
“It’s another example of how we’re using technology to improve outcomes for patients, while reducing pressure on frontline services and this will help reduce hospitalisations and diabetic illnesses.”
