I read in Daily Mail recently that continuous blood sugar monitoring equipment without the need of prick and test are to be made available to all type 1 diabetics free on the NHS. I have been a type 1 diabetic for 50 years and have asked for such monitoring equipment but refused because my particular local health authority (Norfolk) only issued it to special cases. Even when I was being treated for cancer and my blood sugars were fluctuating wildly it was not thought necessary to issue me with a monitor. If I now request one from the Diabetic Nurse at my Doctors surgery is it likely that one will now be issued. I am 70 years old and fairly well controlled but in the last 5 years have had 2 hypos which resulted in my wife having to call for an ambulance.
Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Thread starter Roach70
- Start Date
miahara
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,019
- Type of diabetes
- Type 3c
- Treatment type
- Insulin
You'll certainly have a much stronger case now than you've had in the past, as up to now the prescribing of CGMs (Libre's) has been much of a post-code lottery. I'd suggest you speak to your DSN and/or Consultant and see what way the wind's blowing in your NHS area.
There are some draft NICE guidelines currently under review and expected to be released at the end of this month. They recommend that people with Type 1 should get a CGM. As with most guidelines they will be interpreted differently by different clinics and will take some time for the CCGs to work out how to fund them and train their patients how to use them for more than an alternative to finger pricks … if the draft guidelines are released.
Based on the current rules with Libre, it is unlikely they will be prescribed by your GP. The current Libre process is that they must be prescribed by your diabetes consultant.
So, yes, your chances are better today than before and likely to get better but don’t expect the NHS to be giving out CGMs to everyone with Type 1 diabetes on 1st April as The Daily Mail suggests.
Based on the current rules with Libre, it is unlikely they will be prescribed by your GP. The current Libre process is that they must be prescribed by your diabetes consultant.
So, yes, your chances are better today than before and likely to get better but don’t expect the NHS to be giving out CGMs to everyone with Type 1 diabetes on 1st April as The Daily Mail suggests.
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- Messages
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- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Insulin
Hi @Roach70 ,
Welcome to the forum.
I've been in this game for close to 46 years. Get referred to an endocrinology department. Don't rely on a GP DSN even though they may recommend you have a sensor?
Once approved the above can/should instruct your GP to put them on repeat prescription..
Best wishes on the possibility of your goal..
Let us know how you get on.
I don't monitor my blood sugar levels anymore I don't see the point. I've a real problem about stabbing myself twice a day, so I've stopped monitoring. It brings back to many memories when I was in the burns unit having blood taken very day no fun.
Sorry I haven't posted since my original post. I have been prescribed with a sensor and find it very useful. My only concern is that I am for ever testing and worrying about my sugar levels!
