Diabetics’ test kit approved by trust

ANEW technology that is potentially life-changing for many people with diabetes is now available in Halton.

After Diabetes UK successfully campaigned to make Flash Glucose Monitoring available on the NHS last year, health leaders from NHS Halton, as well as NHS Eastern Cheshire, South Cheshire, Vale Royal, Warrington and West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have approved its use.

This means some people with Type 1 diabetes who meet local criteria will be able to get it free of charge on prescription for the first time.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly.

A Diabetes UK spokeswoman said: “Many people with diabetes need to self-monitor their blood glucose levels.

“This is usually done with a finger prick blood test using a meter that indicates the blood glucose level at the time of the test.

“Flash Glucose Monitoring is a different technology which uses a small sensor that people wear on their skin.

“The sensor continuously reads and stores the last eight hours of glucose readings which can be read by scanning the sensor when required.

“It can free people from the pain of much of their frequent finger prick testing, making it easier to keep on top of sugar levels.

“Crucially, the device can help with better con- trol of the condition and, in turn, reduce the risk of serious diabetes-related complications such as amputation, blindness and stroke.”

Even though in principle Flash Glucose Monitoring is available on the NHS, its use is subject to approval by local health bodies, and there are still many areas in the country where it is not offered on prescription.

Diabetes UK wants to see people all over the UK, who can benefit from the ground breaking technology gain access to it.

Yvonne Browne, improving care manager at Diabetes UK, said: “It’s really good news that people in Cheshire who can benefit from Flash will be able to get this new technology free of charge on prescription.

“This sadly isn’t the case for everyone living with diabetes across the country.

“We believe everyone with diabetes should have access to the right technology to support them, not just those who can afford it.

“We are calling on local decision makers across the country to ensure everyone with diabetes who could benefit from Flash get it, no matter where they live.”

To find out more about Flash, how to access it and how to make the case for it to be made available in the area, visit www.diabetes. org. uk/ get_ involved/ campaigning/ flash- glucose-monitoring

Alternatively, call the Diabetes UK helpline on 0345 123 2399, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk