Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the role of technology in diabetes care. I agree with you that people living with diabetes should have access to new technologies that will allow them to better manage their condition and achieve positive outcomes. 

The coronavirus pandemic has placed additional pressures on our health service. As a result, access to diabetes consultations and management services have been disrupted. The pandemic reinforces the case for technologies such as flash glucose monitoring. They allow patients to manage their condition at home and they can support health professionals to care for patients remotely.

Diabetes technologies can transform peoples’ lives. However, there is wide variation in provision across the country. As a result, many people are unable to access these life-changing devices.

In November 2018, NHS England committed to end this variation and make flash glucose monitoring available for patients with type 1 diabetes. From April 2019, these devices were made available on prescription across England to those who meet certain criteria. Unfortunately, this means that not everyone who could benefit from flash glucose monitoring will be able to access it.

The Government has said the provision of flash glucose monitoring is a matter for local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). I understand the disappointment that will be felt by many people living with diabetes who do not meet the criteria set by their local CCG.

Diabetes UK is calling on the Chancellor to provide a ring-fenced National Diabetes Technology Fund at the upcoming Spending Review. As you may know, the Government has confirmed that the Spending Review will take place on Wednesday 25 November 2020.

Diabetes technology not only has a profound effect on the lives of people living with the condition, it has the potential to reduce NHS spending on diabetes-related complications in the long-term. I believe Ministers should tackle variation in the availability of these devices in our constituency and across the country. It is paramount that the Government does everything possible to improve access to technology that will allow people to better manage their condition.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP