More than 30,000 patients with Type 1 diabetes across the Midlands now have access to life-changing continuous glucose monitoring technology, thanks to cost-effective deals secured for patients and rapidly rolled out by the NHS.

In Summer 2022, the NHS announced patients with Type 1 diabetes would be eligible for continuous glucose monitors after securing a deal to ensure they cost a similar price to flash monitors.

The non-invasive glucose monitoring devices (CGMs) allow people to check their glucose levels more easily and regularly. The newer wearable arm gadget, officially known as Dexcom One, sends information automatically to a mobile app and allows Type 1 diabetes patients to keep track of their glucose levels without having to scan or take a finger prick test.

Flash glucose monitors have been available on the NHS for the past few years and need the patient to “scan” the device to get a reading. These new devices do not need the patient to “scan”, and send glucose readings continuously to a smartphone app.

The latest rollout figures show the NHS in England is going well above and beyond its original Long Term Plan target from 2019 to ensure 20% of people with Type 1 diabetes would benefit from flash or continuous glucose monitors, with over 70% of people with Type 1 diabetes now using these systems.

In line with NICE guidance, patients will be offered either monitor depending on their needs following consultation with their local clinician.

The NHS aims for all integrated care boards (ICBs) to be offering both CGM systems in 2023. The wider rollout of this technology will help people with diabetes manage their condition better – improving quality of life, reducing hospital admissions and associated diabetes complications.

Shaun Carpenter from Derby has had Type 1 diabetes since 1989, having been diagnosed at the age of 18. He describes continuous glucose monitors as life-changing: “From knowing what my blood glucose levels were at a single point in time, perhaps 10 times a day, suddenly I knew what my levels were right now, and more importantly, in what direction they were heading. It was almost a crystal ball!

“For the first time, I could make fully informed decisions on managing my diabetes, based on high quality data. The peace of mind from having this additional information literally makes it much easier to sleep at night, and also much easier to do all the things that someone without Type 1 diabetes takes for granted.”

Professor Pratik Choudhary, Clinical Lead for Type 1 Diabetes across the Midlands said:

“The access to diabetes technology through the NHS has revolutionised diabetes care over the past five years – we’ve seen a huge impact on quality of life and diabetes control in people living with Type 1.

“As a diabetes clinician, I’ve seen first-hand how liberating this device is for my patients, giving them the confidence to go about their days knowing they are safe and able to enjoy themselves.

“The majority of the NHS has already rolled out these new devices, but the NHS rollout will continue at pace to ensure both devices are available to every patient across the country by the end of next year.”

The continuous glucose monitor, officially called Dexcom One, uses a sensor no bigger than a bottle cap that attaches to the arm for up to 10 days and measures glucose levels from just under the skin.

Patients will receive their starter pack – which will include information on the product and usage, a sensor and transmitter – from the hospital or GP surgery once prescribed, after which they can go to the pharmacy for their repeat prescription.