What is the latest re: FreeStyle Libre on prescription?

[pinewood]

Hi everyone. I wondered if anyone could update me on how easy (or not) it is to get FreeStyle Libre on prescription, specifically in London but interested in finding out how many people have been prescribed it generally and if there are any universal criteria I should be aware of. What is my next step, best to discuss with GP or hospital diabetes team?

Thanks so much.

 

[Rokaab]

There are a few different criteria that can be used for getting them prescribed, but some ares are more stringent than others, or some are less so, it's possible some areas still don't prescribe them at all (but that may have changed)
I know I got mine prescribed because I had been self-funding for 2 years and my HbA1c had improved dramatically and on those days where the libre had failed I was testing at least 8 times a day - testing at least 8 times a day is one of the criteria.
My DN at my doctors had to write to the consultant at the hospital to get them prescribed as I believe the doctors have to get consultant agreement for each person, the docs can't just decide themselves (at least in my area - not London).

I know in some places you also have to in essence sign a contract, I did and it basically says you must improve your HbA1C (unless taking it lower would cause hypos), take at least 8 readings a day and agree to go to all hospital/doctors diabetes appointments,

 

[Wayward Blood]

Hi pinewood,

The criteria for me getting mine on the NHS back in September/October 2019 was as follows: I had to be testing at least 8 times a day (I was testing 10–12 times so this wasn't an issue), and I had to be willing to take an online course. If I'm completely honest, I knew I was going to disagree with some of what the course said (I follow a low carbohydrate diet), so I just skipped to the end and did the quiz to get the certificate. That was pretty much it in terms of getting one prescribed.

I also had to sign a form, which contained a number of stipulations for me to continue being able to get the Libre sensors: I had to show that the Libre was improving my control (particularly helping to lower the number of hypos); I had to agree to share my reader's data with my healthcare team; I had agree to scan at least eight times a day.

To share data, I upload my details to LibreView, which is a database of my results. My healthcare team can access this directly (provided I give permission, which is one of the stipulations for having the Libre). I often spend 100% of my day 'in range' (my target levels are set at 4.0–9.9). And I test anywhere between 30 and 50 times a day, so it's been easy for me to keep my Libre.

I hope that helps!

 

[Tony337]

I had good control but doing 10 finger prick tests per day.
My GP referred me to a specialist who I had to go and see.
I was prescribed it about 12 months ago and i'm due to see the specialist again next month.
Its a sort of hoop jumping exercise as I haven't needed a specialist for years but the difference it has made on my mental well being is enormous but that doesn't seem to appear on any ones tick list?

Good luck

Tony

 

[kev-w]

The current criteria is here - https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-conte...unding-of-relevant-diabetes-patients-v1.2.pdf

 

[Ushthetaff]

I’ve read quite a bit about criteria and to be honest I didn’t have any hoops to jump throuGh so to speak . I went to a diabetic check up at the hospital about a year before the Libre was out . My consultant told me about it and said he would put me on a list to get it. I probably had to wait about a year in fact it was my next appointment , he said he would book me on a trading course . My Hb1ac was awful .(90) I rarely took my bs . I’ve been on the Libre for about 2 years now on prescription my last Hb1ac was 55 and has been around that mark since I’ve been on the Libre.
My personal opinion is that the Libre is one of the best innovations in diabeTes control in years , there are pros And cons as with everything But as far as making it easier to take your bs it fits the bill nd let’s face it if you work stopping to take bs can be a pain if not impossible depending on your work place , I worked in the oil industry it was a nightmare.
I’ve always said everyone should have it as it will help reduce complications due to poor control which in turn puts strain on NHS , but from what I’ve read it’s a bit of a lottery whether you get one on prescription or not.