WALES is leading the way in making available on the NHS a potentially life-changing glucose monitoring system for people with Type 1 diabetes.

And a Newport man living with this type of diabetes says the technology is making it easier for him to cope with the condition.

The charity Diabetes UK successfully campaigned to have Flash glucose monitoring made available on the NHS last year, and all health boards in Wales have approved its use.

People with Type 1 diabetes who meet certain criteria, agreed by consensus across the health boards, can now get Flash free of charge on prescription.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood as the body cannot use it properly. Many people with diabetes must self-monitor their blood glucose levels, usually with a finger-prick blood test using a meter.

Flash glucose monitoring instead uses a small sensor worn on the skin, that records blood sugar levels continuously and is read by scan whenever needed. This can free people from the pain of frequent finger-prick testing.

The device can help better control the condition and, in turn, reduce the risk of developing serious diabetes-related complications such as amputation, blindness and stroke.

In principle it is available on the NHS UK-wide, but its use is subject to approval by local health bodies, and Diabetes UK claims there remain many areas where it is not being offered.

David Stephens, 27, from Newport, has Type 1 diabetes and self-funded Flash technology for a year before Aneurin Bevan University Health Board approved it. He now has it prescribed and uses it along with finger-prick testing.

“As soon as I heard about Flash glucose monitoring I got in touch with my diabetes team and kept asking. I was very persistent,” said Mr Stephens.

“When my health board approved it, the team wrote to my GP to ensure I received a prescription. I was one of the first to be prescribed Flash in my area, at the time my doctor wasn’t even sure what it was.

“It has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I suffer from anxiety and worry a lot about managing my diabetes, but Flash technology means I can always know what my blood glucose levels are and take action before I have a hypo (when blood sugar levels fall below a certain level).

“Before Flash, I was too worried to travel far from home, but now I am able to travel to London on my own and stay overnight without being too anxious. I still use finger prick testing to make sure the numbers match up, but nowhere near as much.

“I was surprised I received Flash on prescription so soon, I got it almost straight away.

“I feel so lucky to live in Wales, where Flash is now an option that every doctor can offer. Having access to the latest diabetes technology and care should not be a postcode lottery, and I will continue to campaign in London to make sure that everyone has the same opportunity that I did.”

Diabetes UK Cymru is proud Wales is leading the way in making sure Flash Glucose Monitoring is available for those who can benefit from it, and national director Dai Williams said the charity would encourage anyone who thinks they might benefit from it to speak to their consultant.

“Wales is ahead of the curve on this issue, as sadly this isn’t the case for everyone living with diabetes across the UK,” he said.

For more information Flash, and to find out if it is suitable for you, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/flash or telephone the Diabetes UK helpline on 0345 123 2399, Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, or e-mail helpline@diabetes.org.uk