Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes will now be able to access a continuous glucose monitor for 12 months on the NHS, which automatically alerts users if their blood sugar is high to help them control their diabetes throughout their pregnancy.
Around 2,000 women are expected to benefit from the move, which will help women with type 1 diabetes give birth to healthier babies who are much less likely to need intensive care treatment post-birth, the NHS said.
In a major expansion of the flash glucose technology rollout, people with a learning disability will also now be eligible for a flash glucose monitor to help manage any type of diabetes, provided they use insulin to treat their condition. Up to 3,000 people are expected to benefit from the roll out to people with a learning disability.
There are over 250,000 people with type 1 diabetes in England, and around 75,000 patients are already benefiting from the rapid roll out of the latest non finger-prick based glucose monitoring technology since NHS England made flash glucose monitors available on prescription last April.
Both Diabetes UK and type 1 diabetes charity JDRF have welcomed the latest eligibility expansion.
Prof Partha Kar, NHS national speciality advisor for diabetes, said: “This is a major step forward – as this novel technology can make a massive difference for those living with diabetes. The expansion will have an instant effect for pregnant women and those with a learning disability and is just one example of how the NHS is continuing to make sure patients can benefit from the latest technologies.”
Remote monitoring conditions has played a major role during the pandemic in helping people stay in control of their health and has been especially important for people with diabetes – NHS research has showed increased mortality risk for people with diabetes from COVID-19.
