Posted on: 3 August 2023
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are used by people with diabetes to understand their blood sugar (glucose) levels at any time. Having this detailed information can help people living with diabetes, carers and family members manage diabetes more effectively. Devices can alert people to high and low readings and can help people understand patterns in their glucose levels in response to food, exercise or stress for example.
The NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has commissioned the prescribing of a number of different CGM devices. This follows the publication of new NICE guidance on the management of diabetes and engagement with clinicians across West Yorkshire.
The new West Yorkshire policy offers a choice of CGM device to a wide range of adults and children, depending on the type of diabetes they have. This a big step towards greater choice and easier access for people living with diabetes in West Yorkshire.
Waqas Tahir, West Yorkshire Diabetes Clinical Lead, said:
“The NHS in West Yorkshire is committed to improving population health. This technology represents a significant improvement in our ability to successfully manage diabetes across the region. The availability of CGM devices will improve the overall health of people living with diabetes in the short term by avoiding unnecessary high or low blood sugar levels. It will also prevent ill health in the long term by avoiding further complications uncontrolled diabetes can bring. Most importantly, this single commissioning position will help reduce health inequalities by removing the variation in access to CGM that previously existed across West Yorkshire.”
Clare Howarth, Head of North of England for Diabetes UK said:
"It’s great to see West Yorkshire’s NICE compliant policy in place. It has been a well-considered development with a strong implementation plan that will help ensure that people with diabetes are able to access life-changing technology in line with national guidelines. It is vital that people who are eligible receive the right CGM device for them and plans like these are agreed to offer choice and overcome potential barriers to access."
Not everyone with diabetes will be eligible or appropriate for a CGM device but for those who are, devices will be available after discussion with your healthcare team. The type of device will depend on the individual’s preferences and needs. Assessments for eligibility will form part of normal diabetes care follow up appointments. People with diabetes are encouraged to ask questions and discuss options with their healthcare professionals at their next planned appointment.
The new commissioning policy for CGM is available to view here. Please see the Medicines information page here for further details including patient information about the new CGM policy. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the ICB at: Westyorkshire.