MILLIONS OF Brits suffering from diabetes now have the opportunity to get a ‘life-changing device’ after the NHS made a deal.
The health service will distribute glucose monitors, which track your blood sugar levels throughout a day.
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Nearly 4.9 million people have diabetes in the UK, with an additional 13.6 million at risk.
Most people are capable of managing their diabetes. However, if it is not managed properly or left untreated, it can lead to death.
Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels. This will help them decide what foods they can eat. It may also affect insulin intake.
The gadgets can also be worn on the arm to transmit information to a mobile application.
Patients can keep track of glucose levels without needing to scan their fingers or perform finger prick tests.
The Dexcom ONE Real Time Continuous Glucose Monitor system attaches to your arm for up 10 days with a sensor as small as a plastic bottle cap.
It can detect glucose levels right under the skin.
NHS patients will be provided with their starter pack. This includes information about how to use the device and a transmitter.
A GP or hospital staff will give the first lot, and patients can then go to the pharmacy to get their repeat prescription.
A ‘cost-effective deal’ between Dexcom (National Health Service) and NHS will allow more people to access the device.
These monitors were previously more expensive than flash monitors, which can record levels by scanning a sensor.
This rollout will help patients better manage their conditions.
The NHS claims that this could decrease hospitalizations and other diabetic illnesses, which in turn will ease the pressure on the service.
Dr Partha Kara, national speciality advisor on diabetes and obesity, said: “This is an enormous step forward for Type 1 diabet care and these monitors are life-changing.
What are the signs of diabetes you should be aware?
You may be suffering from diabetes if you are able to identify these signs:
- Not going to the bathroom as often as you should, especially at night.
- Being really thirsty
- Feeling tired more than usual
- You can lose weight without even trying
- Thrush and genital itching
- Cuts and wounds that take longer than expected to heal
- Blurred vision
High levels of glucose in the blood can cause these symptoms. It cannot be used for energy.
These signs are present in both children and adults.
However, type 1 diabetics can be more difficult to recognize in adults.
Diabetes UK’s four Ts campaign – Toilet, Thirsty, Tired and Thinner – aims to raise awareness of the key signs.
“Giving them more choice to manage their condition in the most convenient way possible – as well as the best chance at living healthier lives.
“The new deal also delivers on our commitment to get patients the latest cutting-edge medical technology at the best value for taxpayer money – saving the NHS millions over the coming years.”
One patient applauded the technology and said that it would mean that he wouldn’t need to test his bloods 14x a day.
Andy Lavender (56), has lived with Type 1 diabetes since he was 2 years old.
He claimed that the monitor had changed his life.
“I know that many people won’t test their blood glucose in public, or in coffee shops. They will test in the bathroom. But now they can look at the screen.
“It’s less painful, less stressful and far better to control a condition that can be affected by so many things,”He added.
The NHS spends around £10 billion on diabetes care each year.