Diabetes pumps could become more common in Scotland

Recent reports in the diabetes news indicate that over 3,500 people in Scotland could be given insulin pumps, under new guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
Currently, approximately 1 per cent of type 1 diabetes patients in Scotland use insulin pumps, just under 330 people. Following recent debates in Scottish parliament, a picture of fragmented distribution of insulin pumps has been revealed.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeo, was reported as commenting: “NICE is reviewing its technology assessment, which might mean that around 15 per cent of people with Type 1 diabetes could be considered eligible for an insulin pump .”
Speaking on behalf of Diabetes UK Scotland, National Director Audrey Birt was reported in the news as commenting: “Although pumps are not necessary or recommended for all people who manage their diabetes with insulin, many more people with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland will fit the criteria and a pump could change their life.”