29
Oct 2020
Diabetes charity warns thousands are being put at risk of serious complications after being denied access to lifesaving device
The UK’s leading diabetes charity has warned that thousands of patients are being put at risk of serious complications after being denied access to lifesaving technology.
Two years ago, 80,000 type 1 diabetes patients were promised a wearable blood glucose monitor, but an investigation by Diabetes UK has revealed that in some areas only one in ten patients have received the device, calling the situation a ‘postcode lottery’.
Most sufferers rely on finger-prick blood tests carried out several times a day, which can be painful and lead to skin damage. However, the latest technology involves a small patch attached to the abdomen or upper arm. Sensors read glucose levels from fluid underneath the skin and transmit them wirelessly to a mobile app, thereby reducing the need for the finger-prick tests.
NHS England’s deputy national clinical director for diabetes, Professor Partha Kar, said “There’s no doubt they greatly improve quality of life.”
Professor Kar went on to say that research has shown the monitors can help patients maintain improved blood sugar control, reduce hospital admissions, ease distress, and slash diabetes-related sick days by a third.
Diabetes UK’s head of care Daniel Howarth, said “These monitors have huge benefits for people with diabetes, reducing hospital admissions and improving management of the condition. But there’s still a gap in terms of who can access them. There are reports of some people crossing borders into different areas in order to get them.
“Lots of regular diabetes appointments aren’t going ahead, or are taking place remotely. Monitors could help – yet this technology is not being used when we know what a massive difference it could make to people’s health.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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