Hello

[Andrew166]

Hi

I'm new here. 34 and shortly expecting a T1 or LADA diagnosis after some more tests next week. BS was 20 on recent test, and I've gotten it down to 14 on a very low carb diet for two weeks. Not on insulin yet, but expect to be shortly. Had a number of other symptoms that the diet relieved.

Can someone advise if you need to purchase your own insulin pump and CGM in the UK? Or does the NHS provide this? If they don't I will buy one now.

Kind regards,

Andrew

 

[Inka]

Welcome @Andrew166 🙂 Type 1 is surprisingly common in adults. I think the statistic is something like more people are diagnosed over 30 than under 30, or something along those lines. So you’re not alone.

Hopefully you’ll get insulin soon and then you’ll be able to eat a normal diet. Early introduction of insulin is said to help any remaining islet cells you have last longer, which is a good thing.

To answer your question, insulin pumps are funded by the NHS for those reaching certain criteria so you wouldn’t have to buy one if you qualified. However, you wouldn’t get one straight away because you’ll need to learn how to carb count and adjust your fast-acting insulin, and understand how both the basal and fast/bolus insulins work.

You’ll be very lucky to get a CGM free like Dexcom, but you might get the Libre which is available on prescription for those who qualify.

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @Andrew166 from another LADA/T1

I started on Multiple Daily Injections, for about 5 years, during which I did a course covering carb counting (to enable me to work out appropriate doses for what I choose to eat), calculating correction doses ( to address high and low Bg ) and dealing with sick days ( when our BG levels go a bit bonkers).

I switched to a pump, which was refused the first time. I asked for the criteria then gathered data to show that I met these. Second time of asking I got the pump. This was on the NHS and came with all the associated consumables. I am not aware of people being able to self fund a pump.

later I self funded the Libre and then access was increased on the NHS. In the last 6 months I have started to self fund guardian 3 sensors (cgm) to set up a closed loop system.

I have made good use of the wealth of experience available on here.
I hope you find the forum is helpful as I have.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Andrew166

Hope you get a confirmation of your diagnosis soon, and can begin an appropriate treatment plan.

CGM can be self-funded - there are a number of options on the market including Dexcom G6, Medtronic Guardian, Medtrum A5 and Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring.

I believe insulin pumps are prescription-only, as you would usually need the support of a hospital clinic who would arrange the training and supply of the ongoing consumables.

I’m not sure how easy it would be to begin insulin therapy on a pump, and whether it is easier to get used to the ‘basics’ first with injections, before adding the extra precision and dosing options that pumps offer? That may be just because that was my experience. Some children start on pumps quite early on I think, but I believe most adults have a few years of MDI before moving over.

Let us know how you get on, and when you get your diagnosis