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NICE has recommended the use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) for adults and children living with type 1 diabetes to help them manage their condition and at the same time reduce the need for finger prick testing by up to 50%
A rtCGM sensor is attached discreetly to the person’s body and collects the data which is transmitted to their smartphone. The data provides current and previous glucose levels but also a prediction of where the levels are headed meaning they can take action to stabilise their levels if necessary.
The real-time systems also feature active alerts or alarms that warn users of immediate and/or impending high or low blood sugar. Research has found both real-time and flash devices help a person in maintaining optimal blood sugar control.
Until now NICE had only recommended technology for continuous glucose monitoring for adults with type 1 diabetes in certain circumstances and capillary blood glucose monitoring (finger-prick testing) for people who weren’t eligible for the technology.
Research shows positive effect on quality of life
New research presented this week at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2022 revealed that flash monitoring not only helps to improve blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes, but also has a positive effect on their quality of life.
Chris Askew OBE, chief executive at Diabetes UK, said: “These landmark guidelines promise to be transformational for people living with diabetes. Having campaigned for many years for wider access to Flash and continuous glucose monitoring, and contributed to NICE’s consultation, we are delighted that the voice of people with diabetes has been heard, and that our calls have been listened to.
“What we are seeing today is a key shift in thinking, a move to recognising that technology is an integral part of diabetes management, not simply an added luxury.
“There is still work to do, and we welcome NICE’s commitment to addressing the inequalities which currently exist in access to Flash and CGM. Local health systems will need to support healthcare professionals to deliver these guidelines equitably and we will play our part too, in helping the NHS to get this right. But today is about celebrating a clear step towards ensuring many more people living with all types of diabetes will have access to the appropriate technology that can help them live happier and healthier lives.”
NHS England has rolled out NICE recommended flash devices to around 50% of those with type 1 diabetes.
Use of flash monitoring recommended for type 2 diabetes
NICE has also recommended extending the use of flash monitoring to adults with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy. This recommendation makes the technology available to around 193,000 people.
Dr Paul Chrisp, director of the centre for guidelines at NICE, said: “By recommending the use of either real-time or flash monitoring, our independent committee has made recommendations that will be a step forward in helping all people with type 1 diabetes manage their condition.
“Many people find finger-prick testing to be painful and time consuming and the introduction of technology for all people living with type 1 diabetes will reduce this considerably. This group of people also live with the constant worry of suffering from an attack brought on by dangerously low blood sugar while they sleep. Having an alarm which will alert them if this happens will give them the peace of mind knowing they will wake up in the morning.”
Eligible patients are currently able to access the monitors on prescription from their local GP or diabetes team, helping them to better manage their blood sugar levels.