£10m insulin pump boost for diabetics
DIABETES sufferers will have better access to insulin pumps and equipment thanks to a £10 million cash lifeline.
The Scottish Government is allocating the seven-figure sum to help the 30,000 Scots who suffer from Type 1 diabetes.
Diabetics cannot produce enough insulin, which regulates blood sugar, and need to inject themselves with the hormone to prevent complications like blindness or kidney failure.
Insulin pumps give diabetics a steady stream of insulin
throughout the day, meaning that there would be no need for injections.
There are about 3200 insulin pumps in use in Scotland and fresh government funding will help to roll out the equipment to more sufferers.
Blood sugar monitoring devices will also be handed out to young children and people who experience severe symptoms.
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “We know that insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring kits can make it much easier for some people to manage their Type 1 diabetes.
“This new investment will increase the provision of this equipment, making it easier for many more people to lead healthy lives.”
Karen Adding ton, chief executive of Type 1 diabetes charity JDRF in the UK, said: “Evidence shows this Type 1 diabetes technology, provided alongside support and training for its use, can improve lives.”