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Freestyle Libre

I

IainTarr

Member
Messages
7
Location
Chelmsford, Essex
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Currently my biggest dislike is monitoring my blood glucose by finger pricking, it is a source of annoyance that outweighs so many things I could list as a dislike. Generally I can accept most things but since my diagnosis last October 2021 worries about my health are constant.
I am currently struggling to monitor my blood glucose via finger pricking, I either forget or its inconvenient to do. So my questions are 1.Would a CGM such as Freestyle Libre be of benefit? 2. Would I be entitled to any costs from the NHS - I've been toldcertain areas don't help? 3. If I have to pay for it personally, would it be considered an everyday need for PIP Benefit? My PIP award was stopped in May 2023 and I was told ny condition has improved from medical evidence, DWP/PIP have not asked my GP or myself for any since I informed them in February 2022 that I had been diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic! My ailments for my original claim for PIP had remained the same, and the only change was the addition of be Diabetic and the hassle that it entails. Does anybody have any advice for receiving PIP as a Type 1 Diabetic? I'm aware that the emphasis is not the condition but more about how it affects the daily routine at its worst.
 
Whilst everyone is entitled to Libre, please be aware it does not replace all finger pricks and would still require you to check you BG
It is concerning that you forget to finger prick or consider it inconvenient. It is worth understanding why this is as you may still forget to check your BG from your Libre.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Whilst it is available for all you still have to meet the criteria for your area .
This is usually that you finger prick regularly , are having frequent hypos or your condition has deteriorated.
It will be a long journey for you.Perhaps try one on a monthly free trial and then list how you have benefited.
 

This is not the case any more. Anybody being asked to jump through hoops should contact Partha Karr via Twitter. He wants to know of anybody being obstructed in any shape or form.
 
 
becca59 said:
This is not the case any more. Anybody being asked to jump through hoops should contact Partha Karr via Twitter. He wants to know of anybody being obstructed in any shape or form.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, the situation is different for people with type 2 even if they take insulin and I do not know if Partha Kar focuses solely on Type 1.
However, the NICE guidelines for Type 1 (like the OP) is as you say - we are entitled to Libre 2 or Dexcom One in England. The guidelines may be different for the rest of the UK.
 
I'm having a similar issue with funding but I'm type 2. I have horrendous needle phobia which means I can't finger prick and haven't had a hba1c yet. I'm 3 years into having diabetes and have self funded the libre up to now, however I have recently asked for support due to increased costs on everything and it has been recommended by my Councillor that I have the libre due to not being able to manage my levels myself. I have been straight refused with no route of appeal even though I've been able to demonstrate how it has supported me managing my condition. I've experienced at least 2 hypos in the last 6 months due to being on an NHS weight loss programme and I'm at a bit of a crossroads at what to do. Any advice would be welcome
 
Hi Scottiehoff
It’s so frustrating when you actually fit the criteria needed.
I contacted the Health Manager in my local Council and he was very supportive.
His advice helped me and I now have a Libra 2 on the NHS
Don’t give up, it took me a year but you do need support either from your medical centre or Local Health Manager for the council going forward.
 
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