NEW cutting-edge technology is helping transform the lives of people in Gloucestershire living with diabetes, says NHS Gloucestershire.

Those with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are seeing improvements in their health and wellbeing and managing their condition better due to the use of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors.

Some patients with Type 1 diabetes are also beginning to use hybrid closed loop (HCL) insulin pumps. For these patients, their CGM communicates glucose levels directly with an insulin pump, which calculates insulin doses needed to maintain healthy glucose levels. The CGM sensors continually read glucose levels, and send the results to a mobile phone app 24 hours-a-day, allowing wearers to react quickly to changes in their glucose levels.

The new technology replaces the traditional finger prick testing which has been used for decades, and many patients using these new technologies say they are life-changing.

Dr Caroline Bennett, clinical lead for diabetes at NHS Gloucestershire said: “The sensors might look small but they do a huge job. Anyone with diabetes will tell you the finger prick tests can only give a reading for that exact moment and that glucose levels can change very quickly.

“Continuous monitoring means people can react quickly and take action to adjust their blood glucose levels. This can help people living with diabetes to avoid, or delay, some of the serious complications of the condition, including circulation problems, strokes and issues with the hands and feet.

“Adding in the hybrid closed loop for those with Type 1 diabetes is a real revolution in treatment, using technological advancements to transform care and making a massive difference to the lives of people living with diabetes.”

NHS Gloucestershire said the diabetes teams in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital are seeing hugely positive results in patients of all ages using HCL systems. The HCL insulin pump and CGM combination has been particularly effective with younger diabetes patients.

Feedback from parents and carers of young people living with diabetes has been largely positive, with many saying they have peace of mind that the technology can keep them safe and monitor their glucose levels, which positively impacts family life.

There are around 47,000 patients with diabetes being treated in Gloucestershire. These include out-of-county patients who see consultants and specialists in the county. It also combines the Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes figures, along with a small number of patients who have more unusual forms of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is where the body is unable to make the hormone insulin. It is often diagnosed in childhood, and insulin therapy is required to help manage blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes however, is high blood glucose levels due to the body not being able to make enough insulin, or the insulin not working efficiently.

NHS Gloucestershire said there is a push at the moment for residents to get tested for Type 2 diabetes.

Residents can check if they are at risk for the condition by using a risk score tool online from Diabetes.UK.