Type 1 diabetes patients benefit from using flash monitors

Nearly half of Type 1 diabetes patients in the NHS England are benefiting from the use of flash monitors that allow them to check their glucose levels more easily and regularly.

The wearable gadget, linked with a phone app, has a sensor that attaches to the back of the arm, allowing patients to check their glucose with a simple one-second scan.

Eligible patients can access the monitors on prescription from their local GP or diabetes team.

The NHS is ahead of target to roll-out the monitors, as the independent health advisory NICE, confirmed it was beginning the consultation to expand the kit’s access.

As per recent data, around 125,000 patients now uses these monitors to help control their condition. The latest number shows that the NHS significantly exceeded its user target with more than 45 per cent of patients using the monitor.

NHS England’s chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “Flash glucose monitoring is a great example of where technology and digital solutions can help individuals to live more independent lives, better manage their own conditions, and avoid more acute health problems developing.

Dr Partha Kar, NHS England’s national specialty advisor for Diabetes, said: “The high uptake in people with Type 1 diabetes is a clear example of the NHS’ commitment to improving care for people living with this condition and it’s down to the hard work of NHS staff that we’ve managed to roll these out at such a pace, smashing our target of offering to 20% of those eligible by March.”