250,000 with diabetes to benefit from real time information after updated NICE recommendations
pharmafile | March 31, 2022 | News story | Business Services |
Over 250,000 people living with type 1 diabetes are set to be offered new technology to help them manage their condition, and at the same time reduce the need for finger prick testing by up to 50%, following new advice from NICE.
New guidance from NICE has recommended the use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) for adults and children living with type 1 diabetes for the first time. It will give them a continuous stream of real-time information on a smartphone about their current blood glucose level. Additionally, the use of intermittently scanned glucose monitoring (isCGM) devices, also known as flash monitoring, has been expanded to the whole of the type 1 patient population.
Dr Paul Chrisp, director of the centre for guidelines at NICE, explained: “Many people find finger-prick testing to be painful and time consuming, and the introduction of technology for all people living with type 1 diabetes will reduce this considerably. This group of people also live with the constant worry of suffering from an attack brought on by dangerously low blood sugar while they sleep. Having an alarm which will alert them if this happens will give them the peace of mind knowing they will wake up in the morning.”
Patients will now have a choice in picking the technology which is right for them, in discussion with their diabetes team.
Chris Askew OBE, chief executive at Diabetes UK, commented: “What we are seeing today is a key shift in thinking – a move to recognising that technology is an integral part of diabetes management, not simply an added luxury.
“There is still work to do, and we welcome NICE’s commitment to addressing the inequalities which currently exist in access to Flash and CGM. Local health systems will need to support healthcare professionals to deliver these guidelines equitably and we will play our part too, in helping the NHS to get this right. But today is about celebrating a clear step towards ensuring many more people living with all types of diabetes will have access to the appropriate technology that can help them live happier and healthier lives.”
Eligible patients should speak to their diabetes team to access real-time or flash monitors on prescription.
Ana Ovey
