Charity in call for wider access to diabetes device
PATIENTS with diabetes are facing a postcode lottery for a kit described as “life changing” which constantly monitors blood sugar levels.
From November 1, the Freestyle Libre screening device will be made available on the NHS for patients with Type 1 diabetes but not all patients with benefit.
Patients wear a patch on their arm and a small sensor automatically measures and continuously stores glucose readings.
Prime Minister Theresa May was pictured wearing one of the patches during her speech at the Mayor of London’s banquet.
The starter pack costs around £160, then patients must pay £50 for a patch that lasts two weeks.
One i n 20 people i n Scotland is estimated to have diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin, which controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Over time, complications can affect major organs including heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Maintaining a normal blood sugar level can dramatically reduce the risks.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said consideration would be given to the patient groups who were most likely to benefit from the device.
Craig Nielsen, 29, from Maryhill, who works as a sales assistant at Marks and Spencer, has been paying for the kit privately for two years at a cost of £100 a month.
He said: “Before, I was doing do pin prick tests. I had to find a discreet area to do it at work. It shows your patterns throughout the day so I can adjust my sugar intake if I need to.
“It’s made a big difference in the day to day care of my diabetes. When I spoke to my diabetic clinic they said it might not be made available in my area and if it was made available it would only be a very select few.”
“My GP said that he would have no problem in prescribing it to me as my overall diabetic control has seen a big improvement over the two years that I have been purchasing the Freestyle Libre blood sugar patches.”
Rupert Pigot, Policy Manager at Diabetes Scotland, said: “Many people with diabetes who have used FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring have experienced better understanding and control of their diabetes, as well as an improved quality of life.
“We hope that as many people as possible will be able to benefit from it, with testing fair and equal access across Scotland.
“We urge i ndividual Health Boards to recognise the potential short and long term advantages of Flash monitoring and find the finances to make to available widely.”
A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “As is the case with any new device we have to consider which patient groups would benefit from its use.”