Hope for new NHS diabetes medicine

WORK on a diabetes medication that could save the NHS millions has been carried out at a South Wales University.

Experts showed that a device allowing people to manage their own medication could save the health service millions and improve safety.

The Needlebay device allows users to prepare needles a week in advance, attach and remove them safely from their insulin pen, and dispose of used ones touch-free.

Patient Carole Terrett, a former hospital worker from Ebbw Vale, has not had a “hypo” episode, where her glucose was too low, or a “hyper” one, where her levels were too high, since using the system.

Ms Terrett said: “I’m a Type 2 diabetes patient, and take insulin in the morning with tablets, and in the evening. Every Sunday I fill up the Needlebay.

“I’ve got two needles in the pod, and the device helps me manage the injections, and it reminds me whether I have, or haven’t, taken the dose, and makes sure I haven’t double-dosed on it either.”

Cardiff University gathered feedback for the system which saw a 20% decline in the number of people pricking themselves with the needle accidently.

Dr Judith Carrier, senior lecturer at the School of Healthcare Sciences, said the survey showed Needlebay had a positive impact on users.