Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Diabetes

I appreciate your concerns and I agree that it is extremely important for people with diabetes to be fully supported in maintaining their blood glucose levels.
 
The latest set of National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines were published in February 2016. I understand that NICE recommended some circumstances where continuous glucose monitoring (that use disposable sensors) can have benefit over and above current methods of self-monitoring of blood glucose but advised that they are generally no more effective than current methods of self-monitoring.
 
More information can be found on the below webpage:
 
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/dg21
 
You may be aware of a proposal submitted to the NHS Business Service in June 2016 for the introduction of the FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring system for those with Type 1 diabetes. I am encouraged to say that in 2017, the NHS Business Service approved the FreeStyle Libre on the Drug Tariff, which means that this blood monitoring system will be available to patients free of charge, subject to local approval. NICE has recently assessed evidence on the use of this system, and has found high levels of patient preference for and satisfaction with the FreeStyle Libre system, over the traditional finger-prick method of self-monitoring glucose levels.
 
Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are primarily responsible for commissioning diabetes services to meet the requirements of the local area. In doing so, CCGs need to ensure that the services they provide are fit for purpose, reflect the needs of the local population, are based on the available evidence, taking into account national guidelines. This should include consideration of access to continuous glucose monitoring for people with Type 1 diabetes who might benefit from it. Thus I would like to stress that flash monitoring systems such as the FreeStyle Libre system may not be immediately available throughout the entirety of the NHS in England.

At the same time, I am assured that this Government is committed to preventing diabetes and improving the care and support for those already with the condition. I am encouraged that we are the first country in the world to implement the first national type 2 diabetes prevention programme (NHS DPP) delivered at scale. The NHS DPP provides lifestyle interventions for people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes to reduce their possibility of developing diabetes, therefore also reducing their possibility of developing complications from the condition, such as amputations, further down the line.
 
As you may know, some individuals are already tested for diabetes under the NHS Health Check. Prevention, good management and patient education are key to preventing complications of diabetes, such as amputations.