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Libre

catsbd

Well-Known Member
Messages
69
Location
Wirral
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Has anyone approached their GP or Consultant regarding getting the Libre on prescription? I know they're not available on the NHS till beginning of November but I just wondered had anyone broached the subject with GP/Clinic? I'm currently on a trial of the DEXCOM (got 4 sensors) and I love it (am on the Vibe) but I simply cannot afford even £50 a month for 1 sensor.
I'd prefer the DEXCOM but having an easy quick way of checking my BG anywhere anyplace anytime would be great, plus my hubby who never sleeps properly could check my BG for me while I'm sleeping.
Type 1 for 44 years. Xxx
 
The Libre sensors are £50 for two weeks so most people will find that unaffordable. As far as the NHS is concerned it might cost in if a patient is using more than £50 worth of strips in two weeks. That would be, say, 100 strips of Abbott Freedom ones.

I am willing to bet that a GP will listen to an economic argument if you soften him up.
 
I currently use 200-300 VerioFlex test strips a month. Xxx
 
I'm currently a week into my 2 week Libre trial and I'm loving it, when I saw my DSN last week to get it we discussed the prescription part, he said given my story I would be a good candidate for getting it but that everyone would be piling in trying to get it x
 
Unfortunately the libre is not approved by the DVLA, so for those who drive they would still need to use the glucose meter, it's a great tool for trends and seeing when you need to take action with either insulin or glucose based on the glucose arrow direction but not a reliable method to use for bolus calculations due to it's accuracy, insulin dependent diabetics would still need a glucose meter for this.
 
There was a post on the Libre Facebook page asking people not to approach their GPs yet. Although it's available on prescription from 1st November trusts will individually need to agree funding and their own criteria. Many will not have budgeted for it this year so it may not get agreement until April next year.
 
I did the trial for 2 weeks and since the news came out the nhs are making it free as of November the specialist nurse is on the understanding that it’ll only be made free for children and that our council will argue that we will have to pay the money if wanted. I’ve been a diabetic since I was 7 in 1981 been type 1 for 36 years. It’s so annoying as who really can afford £50 every 2 wks as the sensor only last for 2 weeks so £100 a month can’t happen for me
 
Our hospital has a notice up that as soon as they have more info they will let patients know but in the meantime they are working with the CCG to sort further details out. To basically not ask at present.
 
I am on a 2 week trial with the Libre and loving it, I will give up something else to buy the sensors but as an old age pensioner it will need some serious thinking and hoping that when November 1st comes it will not be an avalanche and myself i can see being a child would be super for the little ones and I would be happy to forgoe mine for the youngsters.
I have had diabetes for 47 years and have seen many changes along the way but the Libre is definitely the best thing invented since sliced bread!!!
 
Saw my DNS today whose view was that my CCG will never approve this as they're already strapped for cash and looking for ways to cut back, not spend more. I'm not expecting anything. I am though interested in the people who've posted saying they're on two week trials with the Libre; are you paying for the equipment or is this part of a clinical trial or what is the process? I'd love to trial it before thinking about investing in one, so if anyone can answer that I'd be very grateful.
 
The trials are free. Abbott supply the equipment in the hope you will buy in future.
My DSN says no point asking a GP you will have to go through clinic for prescription and not all will get it.
 
Diakat said:
The trials are free. Abbott supply the equipment in the hope you will buy in future.
My DSN says no point asking a GP you will have to go through clinic for prescription and not all will get it.
Click to expand...
Thanks @Diakat; doyou know if I need to approach Abbott direct or through my DNS?
 

Hi @Linda1607 It might be worth you looking at your NHS CCG's website for their commissioning statement regarding the Libre, or you could write/email them to request their position. I would expect most CCG's to be putting the statement together at this time, and it should be published on their website once it has been completed. x
 
Hey I'm on a 2 week trial at the moment, I had an appointment with the consultant and brought the question up if there was a trial, he had no problems sorting it out and got it 2 weeks later, good luck! x
 
Hi All. I mentioned to my DSN I was interested in self funding after being told that my local health authority, or who ever deals with this where gonna take a 6 month period before rolling this out. I assume to decide where best to distribute them. I was told I could get a trial with the use of only one sensor tho.
Which I know is 10/14 days.

My phone has NFC capability so I only need the sensors and app rather than the reader anyway. But it is the ongoing cost that is the key problem.
I intend to self fund after the trail period and use it to get all my basal bolus rates spot on then only order as and when there are issues with control to determine if changes should be made.
 
kaylz91 said:
Hey I'm on a 2 week trial at the moment, I had an appointment with the consultant and brought the question up if there was a trial, he had no problems sorting it out and got it 2 weeks later, good luck! x
Click to expand...
Thanks @kaylz91, I'm going to see my DNS now. I haven't seen a consultant in years and rarely a doctor; my care is primarily dealt with by the DNSs at my GP surgery who are superb; highly knowledgable and massively supportive. Here's hoping!
 
lely said:
My phone has NFC capability so I only need the sensors and app rather than the reader anyway. But it is the ongoing cost that is the key problem.
Click to expand...
When I had a Libre trial, I was given a reader. This is handy (and free) as you will still need to finger prick test and the reader does that too.
I also find it useful to have a spare finger prick meter in case my main one dies.
 
I saw my DSN last week and she asked me to write a letter to my consultant as she wasn't convinced it would be granted in my local area.

If I'm honest what I was encouraged to write made me laugh... told to exaggerate how many test strips I'm saving on, oh and then how much better I control I've experienced.

It's literally all about money!
 
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