NHS announces Flash Glucose Monitoring will be available on the NHS.

What is Diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes, both of which are different and require different monitoring and treatment:

Type 1

  1. About 10% – 15% of the population have this condition

  2. Type 1 is not connected to lifestyle or diet and is often as a result of genetic markers

  3. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition and result in the body producing little or no insulin (required to deal with glucose in the blood)

  4. Type 1 requires regular monitoring of blood glucose levels on a daily basis and sometimes several times per day

  5. Type 1 sufferers require regular insulin injections

  6. Regular checks and treatment monitoring is required by a GP or Consultant in hospital.

Type 2

  1. It is estimated that approximately 90% of people with diabetes are type two

  2. Often, type two is connected with lifestyle and diet, although in some cases this can be age related

  3. Type 2 is a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to combat glucose levels in the body, although insulin is still produced

  4. Type 2 sufferers can be offered tablets or insulin and in some cases can be controlled with good diet

  5. The level of monitoring required by the patient is often much less than in type 1 cases and the checks by GP’s are usually every 6 months or so. Often a patients long term.

 

Diabetes UK recently announced that following a long campaign, the NHS has announced that from November 2017 Flash Glucose Monitoring will now be made available on the NHS.

Diabetes UK commented,

“This is going to revolutionise the way people monitor their blood sugar levels and their diabetes. This wouldn’t have been possible without the supporters of the “Flash Campaign”. Together we made this happen – thank you”

So, What is Flash Monitoring?

It’s a small sensor which sits very closely under the skin. It’s sometimes referred to as Flash GM. It regularly reads glucose levels and sends the reading to the users hand held electrical device. Not only does the system avoid the need for a patient to constantly finger prick, but alerts the patient when blood sugars are high.

Does This Mean Less Monitoring by my GP?

In simple terms, no. It is important that if you have diabetes you are regularly monitored by your GP. The frequency of the monitoring will depend on whether you have type one or type two. It is important to speak with your GP and ascertain what levels of frequency you will need. This should also include eye and foot screening checks.

Is Diabetes Easy to Diagnose?

Symptoms of diabetes can include some or all of the following:

  • Feeling thirsty
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurry vison
  • Tiredness
  • Weight loss
  • Slow healing cuts
  • Nerve pain or tingling in the extremities

What Kind of Diabetes Claims Have Farleys Been Involved With?

  • Failure to diagnose diabetes
  • Incorrect medication, leading to injury
  • Failure to monitor and provide regular check ups
  • Failure to refer to a specialist Hospital Consultant
  • Mismanagement of infection
  • Amputations
  • Failure to manage a patient’s condition, leading to serious complications and death.

I think the news about Flash GM is great. Whilst it will cost the NHS to issue the Flash GM, it will in the long run save money, and more importantly avoid serious and life changing complications that can arise from diabetes. As a lawyer, I have acted for people who have failed to have the correct support from their GP or consultant and have suffered illness, serious infect or even worse amputation.

To speak to me in confidence about making a claim for medical negligence, please call 0845 287 0939 or email me.