Libre2 recommended and refused!

[nannoo_bird]

After getting nowhere with the NHS I saw a private endocrinologist who recommended in a report to my GP that I should get a Libre2 monitor on the NHS. This was in May. Updates were not forthcoming, but after a particularly nasty hypo (3.1) this week I waited in a phone queue forever, only to be told that the GP (have no idea who, as you never see one these days) has refused to approve a Libre2 for me, despite being asked to by a consultant endocrinologist!! Luckily we have a private insurance that will cover the cost of this (but maybe not the future sensors), but it is proving impossible to log on to the Abbott site, I phond them yesterday and got nowhere, then phoned our pharmacy in town and they do not stock the Libre2. I would have preferred to do this via our surgery so that I could be shown the method, and would have back up if anything went wrong but they will not give me one, nor will they sell me one. HELP!! I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country but our infrastructue is in dire straits and the understanding of complex issues like T2 on insulin, and Hashimoto's, is non-existant. What can I do?

 

[AndBreathe]

After getting nowhere with the NHS I saw a private endocrinologist who recommended in a report to my GP that I should get a Libre2 monitor on the NHS. This was in May. Updates were not forthcoming, but after a particularly nasty hypo (3.1) this week I waited in a phone queue forever, only to be told that the GP (have no idea who, as you never see one these days) has refused to approve a Libre2 for me, despite being asked to by a consultant endocrinologist!! Luckily we have a private insurance that will cover the cost of this (but maybe not the future sensors), but it is proving impossible to log on to the Abbott site, I phond them yesterday and got nowhere, then phoned our pharmacy in town and they do not stock the Libre2. I would have preferred to do this via our surgery so that I could be shown the method, and would have back up if anything went wrong but they will not give me one, nor will they sell me one. HELP!! I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country but our infrastructue is in dire straits and the understanding of complex issues like T2 on insulin, and Hashimoto's, is non-existant. What can I do?

In your shoes, I would make an appointment with my GP and have the conversation - ideally face to face, and ask why you have been refused. That way you will have the opportunity to put your case.

If your GP does not agree with your chosen Endo, the ask him to make a referral for a second opinion. Such a second opinion doesn't have to be in your area, and you can ask for a named referral, so perhaps be prepared and try to find an Endo who is supportive T2s on insulin of using the Libre.

I'm not sure whether NICE Guidelines help you in this instance, as the scant read I have had talk about inability to use finger prick testing, or needing support testing, but I may not have read enough.

 

[LittleGreyCat]

Asda pharmacy stocks/stocked Libre 2 if there is one near you.

 

[ElenaP]

After getting nowhere with the NHS I saw a private endocrinologist who recommended in a report to my GP that I should get a Libre2 monitor on the NHS. This was in May. Updates were not forthcoming, but after a particularly nasty hypo (3.1) this week I waited in a phone queue forever, only to be told that the GP (have no idea who, as you never see one these days) has refused to approve a Libre2 for me, despite being asked to by a consultant endocrinologist!! Luckily we have a private insurance that will cover the cost of this (but maybe not the future sensors), but it is proving impossible to log on to the Abbott site, I phond them yesterday and got nowhere, then phoned our pharmacy in town and they do not stock the Libre2. I would have preferred to do this via our surgery so that I could be shown the method, and would have back up if anything went wrong but they will not give me one, nor will they sell me one. HELP!! I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country but our infrastructue is in dire straits and the understanding of complex issues like T2 on insulin, and Hashimoto's, is non-existant. What can I do?

I used to self-fund Libre for a year and a half. I bought them from an Asda pharmacy.

 

[fkarno]

If a GP is rumoured to have refused to prescribe Libre2, you should WRITE to your GP practice telling them firmly that you want this decision in writing, and you want full reasons given. I know, you like to be nice to them but there are situations where you have to show that you have teeth. My guess is that a prescription will be issued. If not, or if they refuse or delay to put things in writing, complain about the GP practice IN WRITING to the local Health Board. And never pay privately if you are entitled to NHS care.

 

[Mike88]

After getting nowhere with the NHS I saw a private endocrinologist who recommended in a report to my GP that I should get a Libre2 monitor on the NHS. This was in May. Updates were not forthcoming, but after a particularly nasty hypo (3.1) this week I waited in a phone queue forever, only to be told that the GP (have no idea who, as you never see one these days) has refused to approve a Libre2 for me, despite being asked to by a consultant endocrinologist!! Luckily we have a private insurance that will cover the cost of this (but maybe not the future sensors), but it is proving impossible to log on to the Abbott site, I phond them yesterday and got nowhere, then phoned our pharmacy in town and they do not stock the Libre2. I would have preferred to do this via our surgery so that I could be shown the method, and would have back up if anything went wrong but they will not give me one, nor will they sell me one. HELP!! I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country but our infrastructue is in dire straits and the understanding of complex issues like T2 on insulin, and Hashimoto's, is non-existant. What can I do?

Sorry to hear you're having difficulty accessing a CGM. It could be because the guidelines aren't particularly well written & the person reviewing your case stops the they reach 'type 2'. The current NICE guidance is here:

Recommendations | Type 2 diabetes in adults: management | Guidance | NICE

www.nice.org.uk

Do you meet any of the following criteria?

Continuous glucose monitoring​

1.6.17 Offer intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM, commonly referred to as 'flash') to adults with type 2 diabetes on multiple daily insulin injections if any of the following apply:

• they have recurrent hypoglycaemia or severe hypoglycaemia
• they have impaired hypoglycaemia awareness
• they have a condition or disability (including a learning disability or cognitive impairment) that means they cannot self-monitor their blood glucose by capillary blood glucose monitoring but could use an isCGM device (or have it scanned for them)
• they would otherwise be advised to self-measure at least 8 times a day.

I'm unsure what your treatment regimen is, but you mention insulin, therefore it would seem you do meet the criteria for CGM. You have a couple of options. Either challenge your GP, use the NICE guidance to craft a letter. Or, ask for an appointment with your community diabetes specialist nurse. The key factor in this decision is you are using insulin. The type of diabetes is academic really.

 

[livi2006]

I have just recently got one on persecution I’m a t2 on insulin an I’m nearly sure u have to meet criteria for one. I’m almost certain my consultant give me one as I have 4 kids under 5 an she said it would make life so much easier. She is so right I love it amazing for a busy lifestyle. I hope you get sorted u will not be disappointment x

 

[Jaylee]

Hi,

Now oddly. I’ve interacted with an insulin dependant T2 in real life.. I was approached by this person during a break at a gig. (I play in a band.) who spotted my sensor.? It doesn’t look “out of the question.” Just pending on the attitude of an HCP.

GPs however. Was keen for me. (As a T1.) but needed the “thumbs up” from a endo..