Will I be offered a CGM on prescription ?

[Pat91]

Hello, what are the requirements you have to meet to receive a CGM on prescription. Thanks

 

[Inka]

It’s incredibly rare to get a CGM on prescription @Type1Pat You might qualify for flash GM though - ie a Libre. Speak to your DSN and ask if/when you’d qualify. Although there are national guidelines some local areas make it harder than others to get one even if you do meet the guidelines eg my area asks for ridiculous proof and basically unnecessary cr*p because they want less people to have one.

 

[Robin]

Hello, what are the requirements you have to meet to receive a CGM on prescription. Thanks

The Libre, which is a flash glucose system is available on prescription if you meet the requirements for which a good description is on this link.

Can I get Libre / Libre 2 on the NHS? - JDRF

From 2019, in England, flash glucose monitoring is available on the NHS for people with type 1 diabetes who qualify for it no matter where they live.

jdrf.org.uk

It’s still very much a postcode lottery, though, with some areas bending over backwards to make the criteria fit and give them out, and some trying to prescribe as few as possible. I have just got mine on prescription but I had to jump through so many hoops, and wait for appointments, and decisions, that it took me. a year to get it.
The rules for a full CGM, like the Dexcom, are very much stricter.

 

[Pat91]

It’s incredibly rare to get a CGM on prescription @Type1Pat You might qualify for flash GM though - ie a Libre. Speak to your DSN and ask if/when you’d qualify. Although there are national guidelines some local areas make it harder than others to get one even if you do meet the guidelines eg my area asks for ridiculous proof and basically unnecessary cr*p because they want less people to have one.

Hi yeah sorry think ive got a bit confused, I meant a libre. Will ask when I next speak to Dsn. Thank you.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Hi yeah sorry think ive got a bit confused, I meant a libre. Will ask when I next speak to Dsn.

Yes, you're much more likely to get a Libre. (And Libre 2 is not far off a CGM. And Libre 3 (said to be same price, smaller) is really a CGM and should only be a year or two away.)

 

[helli]

The appendix of this document gives you the criteria for Libre on prescription in England.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/National-arrangements-for-funding-of-relevant-diabetes-patients-June-2020-Updated-final.pdf

@Type1Pat i would recommend reviewing these guidelines and preparing your case before you speak to your DSN. It may be unnecessary but better to be read to justify why the NHS should spend extra money on you.

 

[dinkeydonkeydude]

For me, to get a Libre I have to do 8 blood tests 8 times every day for 3months. I fit the criteria set. Doing that many blood tests will give horrific fingers. Hence I still don't have one.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hope you fit the criteria, and your HCPs are supportive in their interpretations @Type1Pat

Sounds very frustrating for you @dinkeydonkeydude

In recent years, when not wearing sensors checking 8+ times a day sort of fell into my pattern of life.

Before each meal and before bed accounted for 4 a day, and then checking if that 'slightly hungry' feeling was a hypo... or a car journey there and back... or a check to see how a meal dose was working out... or checking around exercise... or illness... or any of the dozens of other reasons easily made up the 4 others.

You are right about the fingers though. It's important to rotate around them and to use both fronts and backs of the sides of each finger to give you 8 different spots to choose from. The sides of several of mine are still distinctly leathery though 😛