Freestyle libre petition please sign and share

DavidGrahamJones

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,263
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Dislikes
Newspapers
I would rather see meters and test strips prescribed to T2s.

A massive step forward indeed. For me, test strips would never have highlighted the way my BG is behaving. It can go up any time, night or day and usually many hours after eating and even then not because of eating any substantial amount of carbs. Had it not been for the FS Libre my GP would just have put me back on Gliclazide, which would have meant I'd would have to go back to eating carbs like in the old days, unless I wanted to hypo every day. That's not going to happen.

I don't consider myself a special case, but there will be plenty of type IIs AND type Is who could benefit. I think the point I'm trying to make is that the reason put forward as why they should be free, is valid for both type of diabetes.
 

Edge

Member
Messages
9
The Libre will not be for everyone. If you choose not to take good care of yourself, I don't see how this device will help. I also agree that it does not matter if you are type 1 or 2.

But as a Type1 user of the Libre, I can already say the frequency of testing and the detailed graph plotting glucose levels has been exceptionally helpful in allowing me to further improve the control my Diabetes as I go forward. Not to mention the sheer convenience and speed of testing.

Results will not always match a blood test, but that is to be expected as the Libre uses https://www.diabetes.co.uk/body/interstitial-fluid.html For me, the difference has never been greater than 0.9mmol (which is when sugars are rising or falling more rapidly) and already I have a good idea of what to expect if I compare to an actual blood test.

I know different NHS areas and specialist are evaluating the product and getting feedback. Personally, if they worked out the money saved on test strips and put that saving towards the Libre sensors cost for now, I would be happy enough - then there would be no need to argue about cost v benefit as those of us with Diabetes will know and be able to demonstrate the advantages it brings to each of us. Later, hopefully, using this information means it will become available to anyone who genuinely would benefit form using it.
 

SamElliott1997

Well-Known Member
Messages
68
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
i had a phone call off my gp practise yesterday to say i could have the sensor theres me buzzing half an hour later another phone call to say they had made a mistake and couldnt prescribe it as pan mersey havent approved it {think thats what they called it as i was too busy giving them a piece of my mind :***:}any way had consultant meeting this morning ranting on to her and she said she couldnt prescribe it either its an absolute joke as i pointed out the amount of strips i use would defo out weigh the cost of sensor i go through 150 strips every 2 weeks or so but all to no avail she did say she will try and get me a spare one but i wont hold my breath :sour:and at 50 quid a pop its just not viable for me to self fund rant over :banghead:;)

Pan Mersey CCG are currently discussing the Freestyle Libre. They will come to a decision by late January, so by Febuary here in Merseyside, we shall know if our wishes can come true or not.
 
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Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
I saw my DN this week and we discussed the Libre. She told me the CCG had sent the practice an email saying no prescriptions for anyone. This is East Lancs CCG. Maybe this is just a temporary instruction until they have sorted it all out.
 
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Okay guys - that is an awful petition. Technically, the Libre is now available free on the NHS - the government can point at the NHS BSA Drug Tariff and say "Look, there it is."

The issue is that local CCGs (that the Government has no control or influence over) are refusing to pay for it as there is not enough "real evidence" as in, "the type of evidence that proves beyond refute that Libre benefits people at an appropriate cost".

Your best bet is NOT to sign a faceless petition on a website. It is to speak to your local MP and get them involved locally.
If you read the entire petition wording, i.e. click 'More details', it clearly states that it is available on the NHS but is a postcode lottery. Have another look and sign as very few diabetics can get this at the moment as their Clinical Commisioning Group won't allow it as you said. Personally, I think the /Libre is great and should be prescribed as it makes controlling glucose levels so much easier, especially at night. I am also writing to my local MP, all MPs can be found easily on the petition map: http://petitionmap.unboxedconsulting.com/?petition=204550.
 

tim2000s

Expert
Retired Moderator
Messages
8,934
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Other
@Ginger Dumpling - I suspect that it's been updated since I wrote that, as it was some time back. So the point still stands. The petition doesn't achieve anything. Libre is free on the NHS. You just have to convince someone to prescribe it for you.