We welcome the addition of a new CGM device to promote greater choice for people with diabetes.
From 2 August 2022, a new continuous glucose monitor (CGM), the Dexcom One, is available on prescription across the UK.
Diabetes UK is welcoming this change, which we hope will help promote more choice for people living with diabetes when it comes to which blood sugar monitoring device they want to use. Up to now, the only CGMs available on prescription have been Flash 1 and Flash 2 so today’s announcement means another device has been added to that list.
Both Flash and CGM involve wearing a small sensor on the skin which continuously monitors blood sugar levels using an app on your mobile phone. Flash 1 and 2 involve scanning the sensor with your mobile phone to see your blood sugar levels whereas with CGM that information appears on your phone automatically.
While other CGM devices are available on the NHS, this is only through specific funding routes which can be time-consuming and difficult for clinicians to navigate. It is generally much easier for healthcare professionals to provide access when a device is available on prescription.
It is very promising to see the NHS negotiate a cost-effective deal for the Dexcom One which means its pricing is in line with that of Flash 1 and Flash 2. It’s crucial that these types of deal continue to be made so more and more of these life-changing devices get into the hands of people living with diabetes.
We also hope that this addition will help support local areas to deliver on national guidelines published earlier this year which recommend Flash or CGM use for all people living with type 1 diabetes and some living with type 2 diabetes.
Helen Kirrane, Head of Policy, Campaigns and Mobilisation at Diabetes UK, said:
“Pieces of wearable technology like this can have a transformative effect for people living with diabetes, improving their quality of life and diabetes outcomes.
“We know that getting access to continuous glucose monitors can be difficult, even when people meet the eligibility criteria, so having more of them available on prescription is a big step forward towards greater choice and easier access.
“It’s our hope that more of these devices will also become available on prescription, so this choice keeps on growing.”
There is still work to do and Diabetes UK is working closely with the health system across the UK to ensure the national guidelines are implemented properly. If you are interested in using the Dexcom One you should speak to your diabetes team about this at your next appointment.
You can find out more about diabetes technology, the different devices currently available on the NHS and what national guidelines say about who can access them here.
