Flash glucose monitoring: The story so far and the journey ahead

Abstract

Just a few years ago FreeStyle Libre (FSL) was a rarely encountered device, used only by a select few people with type 1 diabetes who could afford to self-fund it. This small disc has a small cannula under the skin which allows for interstitial glucose measurements and remains in situ for 14 days. Over the last 4 years the number of people with access to this life-changing technology on the National Health Service (NHS) has increased rapidly. Although there were barriers to implementing access and encouraging uptake of this technology, including systems, healthcare professionals and the users themselves, innovative interventions from NHS England and diabetes organisations ensured those who stood to gain the most benefit were not impeded in their access, with a particular emphasis on enabling FSL use in those who are often the hardest to reach. This article reviews the impact of FSL on type 1 diabetes care in England, the key events to date and the lessons learnt that can be applied in the future for newer diabetes technologies.