New support for pregnant women with diabetes

Thousands more people with diabetes will soon have access to life changing technology to help manage their condition on the NHS.

NHS England has announced that pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes will be able to access a Continuous Glucose Monitor for 12 months, which automatically alerts users if their blood sugar is high to help them control their diabetes throughout their pregnancy. It is expected that approximately 2,000 women will 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.

Further to this, 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. Flash works in a similar way except users check their own blood sugar levels using a mobile app. 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 technology since last April. Research has shown use of the devices can improve glucose control, wellbeing and reduction in hospital admissions.

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.”

Helen Kirrane, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Diabetes UK, said: “This announcement will be a huge relief to many, and is an important step towards widening access to life-enhancing technology for people with diabetes. We know that diabetes technology can make a big difference as people with diabetes try to manage their condition during these difficult times.

“While healthcare services remain under enormous pressure, it is wonderful to see that pregnant women and people with learning disabilities will be getting the help they need to manage their condition as well as possible from home.”