More people with diabetes set to benefit from blood sugar monitors
Half of NHS Type 1 diabetes patients in England are now benefiting from the use of “life-changing” flash monitors that allow them to check their glucose levels more easily and regularly, paving the way for more people to benefit.
Health service chief executive Amanda Pritchard, patient groups and senior clinicians have welcomed the milestone, showing that the NHS is ahead of target to roll-out the monitors, as the independent health advisory NICE, confirmed it was beginning to consult on expanding access to the convenient and effective kit.
The most recent figures show that around 125,000, or half, of patients living with Type 1 diabetes are now using these monitors to help control their condition.
The insight from the successful roll-out by NHS England has helped to inform the case for potential wider use of these technologies to benefit patients living with Type 1 diabetes, and potentially those living with Type 2 diabetes, as the health service continues to improve care for people with both forms of the condition.
The NHS Long Term Plan included a target to ensure 20% of people with Type 1 diabetes were benefiting from flash monitors by March 2021.
Data for March shows the NHS significantly exceeded that goal, with the actual percentage of those benefiting hitting more than 45% – double the target, with uptake by July hitting half of eligible people. Eligible patients are currently able to access the monitors on prescription from their local GP or diabetes team, helping them to better manage their blood sugar levels.
The wearable gadgets have a sensor that easily attaches to the back of the arm, allowing patients to check their glucose quickly and easily with a simple one-second scan. The monitors link to an easy-to-use app on your phone, where patients can access the data gathered by the device. Unlike conventional blood glucose monitors they allow you to view patterns over time, not only showing current and previous levels but also where they’re headed.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS England’s chief executive, said: “Flash glucose monitoring is a great example of where technology and digital solutions can help individuals to live more independent lives, better manage their own conditions, and avoid more acute health problems developing.
“It is a testament to the hard work of NHS colleagues working across diabetes care that we have managed to roll out these devices to half of Type 1 patients and that the real world data is helping to inform potential future service development in this area.”
Other News
Featured Supplier
Since 2007 Avensys have been a key player in the national picture of bio-medical equipment sale, repair, maintenance and training. Now owned by HERMED GmbH (part of the VAMED group), Avensys are part of the global medical infrastructure, able to offer a complete service for asset management including procurement, device maintenance, and training.
Upcoming Events
BSG LIVE 22
ICC, Birmingham
20th – 23rd June 2022
EBME Expo 2022
Coventry Building Society Arena, Phoenix Way, Rowleys Green, Coventry CV6 6GE
28th - 29th June
Infection 360: What's trending in infection prevention & control
Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
27-28 September 2022
IP2022 IS COMING TO BOURNEMOUTH IN OCTOBER 2022
Bournemouth
17-19 October 2022
UKHCA Conference: Listen Up
Pendulum Hotel and Manchester Conference Centre, Manchester
3rd November 2022
MEDICA 2022
Dusseldorf Germany
14th November - 17th November
Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.
Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store