Access to continuous glucose monitor hailed as life-changing
A pharmacist with type 1 diabetes said the technology has improved his management of the condition.
A pharmacist from Marlow says having access to a continuous glucose monitor since they became available on prescription has changed his life.
Olivier Picard, 48, uses a device, that is worn on the arm, that sends information to a mobile app and allows people with type 1 diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels without having to scan or take a finger prick test.
Olivier is one of more than 3,000 people now using the GlucoRx Aidex real time-continuous glucose monitor (rt-CGM) to better manage their type 1 diabetes since it became available for free to NHS patients with type 1 diabetes. The CGM device has been available since 1st April 2022.
Olivier, Managing Director of Newdays Pharmacy in Reading, said: “It’s accurate, comfortable to wear and gives you low alerts which are particularly useful at night.
“Since I started using it, I actually use less insulin as control of my diabetes is so much better – I don’t have to prick my fingers. It’s changed my life.
Following the latest NICE guidelines, every person living with the condition is now eligible for a CGM – a wearable sensor allowing people to check their glucose levels with a one-second scan.
Normally more expensive than their flash monitor counterparts – which record glucose levels by scanning a sensor – the NHS agreed on a new cost-effective deal with manufacturers GlucoRX, meaning they have been available for people on prescription at a more cost-effective price.
It is estimated that NHS England spends around £10 billion a year on diabetes-related conditions – which accounts for around 10% of its entire budget.
According to the NHS, tools like continuous glucose monitoring, which help people better manage their condition and reduce associated illness and hospitalisations, will reduce costs in the long run.
Chris Chapman, a Chief Operating Officer of GlucoRx, said: “We are delighted that our life-changing CGM devices are having such a positive effect on the lives of those with type 1 diabetes.
“We are proud to be the creators of one of the first CGMs to be available on prescription for every NHS patient with type 1 diabetes.
“It is an honour to work with the NHS on such a big project which will improve the quality of life for thousands of people with the condition.”
Research recently presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2022 revealed that flash monitoring not only helps to improve blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes, but also has a positive effect on their quality of life.
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