ONLY 38% of Type 1 diabetics in NHS Lothian have aces to a Flash Glucose Monitor, compared to 51.8% across Scotland – and only a quarter of paediatric patients in NHS Lothian have access to a Flash Glucose Monitor compared with 35.5% across Scotland.
Commenting on the figures, Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: ““Diabetes patients in NHS Lothian are simply not getting the same level of treatment that they would be if they lived in other parts of Scotland.
“We know that this technology is really significant for a person’s quality of life and we need to improve access to Flash Glucose Monitors across the health board.
“Children in particular are not receiving the same level of care as they would get in other parts of Scotland.
“Years of underfunding of the health boards by SNP Minister has led to a position were NHS Lothian are cutting services that they do not want to cut.
“We need to see a review of the wording to treatment guarantees in Scotland.
“Flash Glucose Monitors count as equipment, rather than medicine, which mean that diabetes patients are not automatically entitled to the technology.”
Access to technologies which will transform the lives of those living with Type 1 Diabetes is set to be expanded, the Scottish Government has announced.
Up to £8.8 million will be used to rollout of loop systems this year to support all children living with Type 1 Diabetes access Closed Loop System technology and increase the provision of these life changing technologies for adults with this condition.
A closed loop system uses a glucose sensor linked to an insulin pump to automatically calculate how much insulin should be delivered – removing the burden of people needing to calculate their insulin dosage and take injections.
A national team will enable training, education and support to be given remotely from health professionals, including Diabetes specialist nurses and dietitians, as well as peer support from others living with diabetes.
Cabinet Secretary Neil Gray spoke to staff at the new Usher Institute building at Edinburgh University.
During his speech he outlined his vision for how technology and innovation can help make the NHS more sustainable in the future.
Mr Gray said: “Closed loop systems are an incredible asset for those living with Type 1 Diabetes. It not only improves sugar control and reduces the risk of long term complications, but also removes a lot of the burden that people living with type 1 Diabetes face on a day to day basis.
“The use of this technology can make it much easier for people to manage their Diabetes, greatly reducing the risk of the health complications that can be associated with the condition.
“This is an example of the kind of innovation that can help transform healthcare, equipping the NHS to meet the challenges it currently faces. It will also greatly improve the lives of people living with Diabetes, particularly children and their parents.”
Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects over 35,000 people in Scotland and around 3,340 children.
Rachel’s personal journey leads to educational Degree Show project
A pop-up shop being showcased as part of Edinburgh Napier’s Degree Show is providing food for thought to attendees as it aims to debunk the myths and stigma surrounding type 1 diabetes.
“Food for Thought” has been created by Edinburgh Napier fourth year graphic design student Rachel Cartledge.
The speculative shop is stocked with fun, eye-catching products that aim to address specific issues relating to type 1 diabetes, including some of the misunderstanding around diagnosis, hypos, carb counting and more.
Cereals called ‘Dia-wheaties’ and ‘Hypos’ bury some of the myths around the condition alongside providing information on what to do if a diabetic is experiencing low sugar levels.
‘In A Pickle’ jars provide information on what you can do to help someone with type 1 diabetes and drink cans called ‘Shots’ share more on type 1 diabetes and drinking alcohol.
‘Myth Milk’ again looks into some of the different myths around type 1 diabetes and tins called ‘Can you carb count’ provide knowledge on the importance of weighing out portions of food – something that is vital when using insulin.
Rachel – who is 22 years-old and from Edinburgh – was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was just four years old.
The project, and its items, have been created as a direct response to some of the misconceptions and stigma that Rachel has experienced being a type 1 diabetic throughout her life so far.
Rachel said: “I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 4. As I grew up, and as I started to understand more about the condition myself, it became obvious that there wasn’t a great deal of information out there that gave people knowledge on what type 1 diabetes is and its causes and symptoms.
“People kept on telling me that I had it because I ate too much sugar, which simply isn’t true. I remember visiting the hospital and the diabetes posters were quite extreme. People don’t realise that type 1 is vastly different from type 2 diabetes.
“Type 1 is an auto-immune condition. There is no way of preventing it and it can happen to anyone.
“This led me to creating Food for Thought. I wanted to catch people’s attention and use design to express how I feel about the stigma and misinformation surrounding the condition. Creating it has been a bit like therapy – but it has been a lot of fun too.
“I’m in a lucky position that I’ve grown up with it. I’ve had a supportive family and friend network around me, and I’ve adapted my lifestyle – it hasn’t stopped me from doing anything that I’ve wanted to do. However, if you were in your mid 20s and got diagnosed with it tomorrow, I’m not sure the resources would be there to help you understand the condition and how to live with it. That’s been a key driver behind the whole project.”
Alongside exhibiting at Edinburgh Napier’s Degree Show, Rachel’s Food for Thought project has also been in display at a recent diabetes discovery day organised by the JDRF charity in Aberdeen.
If you would like to see Rachel’s project, and others from the University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, the Edinburgh Napier Degree Show runs from 24 – 30 May at Merchiston campus.
Life-changing technology that reduces the risk of complications for people with type 1 diabetes will become more widely available thanks to additional funding.
The Scottish Government has invested a further £350,000 to accelerate the distribution of Closed Loop Systems. The technology is considered the most significant development in type 1 diabetes treatment in recent years and can transform lives, particularly for children and young people.
Closed Loop Systems help people improve their glycaemic control and in turn reduce the likelihood of complications, which at their most serious can include blindness, renal failure, and amputations; as well as unplanned admissions to hospital.
The investment will see a dedicated team created by the national Centre for Sustainable Delivery at NHS Golden Jubilee to support NHS health boards to rollout the technology faster and more efficiently across Scotland.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “There’s no reason why someone living with type 1 diabetes shouldn’t live a long and healthy life, but some people find managing their condition difficult.
Diabetes technologies make the process easier and can enhance people’s quality of life. That’s why we’re aiming to provide access to Closed Loop Systems at the earliest opportunity and are working with NHS boards to improve access.”
National Diabetes Lead Professor Brian Kennon said: Closed Loop systems are truly transformative technologies and help reduce the day-to-day burden of trying to optimise type 1 diabetes control.
“Creation of a dedicated team to help support the adoption of Closed Loop Systems and standardise our approach to access across Scotland will help ensure that our healthcare system is well placed to realise the massive advantages that these innovative technologies offer.”
A simple blood test for people with Type 1 diabetes enabling some patients to stop taking insulin is to be rolled out.
Scotland is the first country in the world to introduce this test which will be available from hospital diabetes centres from Monday (1 November).
Aimed to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, the routine testing of C-peptide allows doctors to work out how much insulin someone with diabetes is making themselves.
If C-peptide is present in significant amounts, then it may indicate that the person does not have Type 1 diabetes and that it may be possible to stop or reduce insulin treatment.
The roll-out follows a two year pilot study in NHS Lothian led by Diabetes and Endocrinology Consultant Professor Mark Strachan.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Diabetes is a clinical priority for this Government and we want to ensure that everyone living with diabetes in Scotland can access safe, effective and person-centred healthcare, treatment and support.
“Type 1 diabetes is a significant health challenge right across the world. I am proud that Scotland will be the first country to introduce this blood test which has the potential to have a significant positive impact on the lives of those people living with diabetes.”
Professor Mark Strachan said: “C-peptide helps diabetes specialists make a more accurate diagnosis of the cause of diabetes, and that means we can get people on the most appropriate treatment. In some instances, C-peptide testing allowed people to stop very long-standing insulin therapy; this can be life-transforming.
“If anyone has any concerns regarding their diabetes or wishes to know more about the new blood test, they should contact their diabetes clinical team who are best placed to provide specific advice and support based on their individual circumstances.”
There are approximately 315,000 people living with diabetes in Scotland.
The programme will be offered to people with a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes of at least three years duration. C-peptide testing will be offered by hospital diabetes centres.
People with Type 1 diabetes living in more deprived areas of Scotland have higher blood sugar levels, putting them at greater risk of diabetes complications
Researchers looked at the health records of everyone living with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland over 12 years
Findings highlight the persistent and significant health inequalities disadvantaged people with Type 1 diabetes face
