I read recently somewhere that the first closed loop device will be out "within a couple of years", trouble is I can't remember where I read it... :roll:
susanaudrey said:
Hi Kegstore,
My husband who has had type one for 30 years has been using medtronics system for 2 years with great success. The hypos have been reduced dramatically. However we do not have any funding from the NHS. We have tried twice but they just say the NICE guidelines do not allow this device. How did you manage to get this funding? Do you have any suggestions regarding this?
I've had permanent funding for 6 months now, but intermittent use for about 18 months. I wouldn't want to be without now, definitely better with the system, although it doesn't catch every hypo. Another bad one last night. :evil:
Every PCT has an Exceptional Funding Panel that considers requests for treatment protocols that fall outside NICE guidelines. They meet normally on a monthly basis to do this. Your consultant will need to apply on your behalf, you actually have very little to do with the process, although I did write a supporting letter to my consultant that was attached to the application. So, you need a consultant that is fully supportive of your case, and very good reasons to back it up, both of which I have (e.g. live alone, zero hypo awareness).
I know I'm still very lucky though, out of 3,000 T1s in my PCT only 100 have insulin pumps and I'm the only one with permanent CGM funding. Good luck if you do go down this road.