Is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) available on the National Health Service (NHS) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom?

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Dainyal Siddiqui, MD

Internal Medicine

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Manuel Jimenez, MD

Cardiology

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Franz Pierre-Louis, MD

Infectious Disease

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Last updated: March 7, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is available on the National Health Service (NHS) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom, but its use is generally recommended for those using intensive insulin regimens or with specific clinical needs, as outlined in recent guidelines 1. The primary consideration for the use of CGM in type 2 diabetes patients is the clinical need, particularly for those on intensive insulin therapy, experiencing problematic hypoglycemia, or unable to perform conventional blood glucose monitoring due to disability or other conditions.

  • Key factors influencing the decision to use CGM include the potential to improve glycemic control, reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, and enhance the patient's quality of life.
  • The NHS guidelines, as reflected in the study by 1, emphasize the importance of cost-effectiveness and prioritize the use of CGM for patients who would derive the most significant clinical benefit.
  • Patients with type 2 diabetes who believe they could benefit from CGM should discuss their eligibility with their diabetes healthcare team, considering the specific criteria and guidelines that may vary between different NHS trusts across the UK.
  • The introduction of systems like FreeStyle Libre has expanded access to CGM for eligible Type 2 patients, highlighting the evolving nature of diabetes management and the importance of staying updated with the latest clinical guidelines and technological advancements 1.

From the Research

Availability of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on the NHS

  • The availability of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on the National Health Service (NHS) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, the studies suggest that CGM can be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly those receiving insulin therapy, in improving glycemic control and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia 2, 4, 5.
  • A study from 2017 found that patients with type 1 diabetes in the UK who used CGM reported improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fewer hypoglycaemia episodes, and better diabetes management, but noted that they were largely unsupported by the UK healthcare system 6.
  • There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to confirm whether CGM is currently available on the NHS for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom.

Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring

  • CGM has been shown to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly those receiving insulin therapy 2, 4, 5.
  • The benefits of CGM include reduced time spent in hypoglycemia, reduced frequency of hypoglycemic events, and improved treatment satisfaction 2, 4.
  • CGM can also provide actionable information for healthcare providers, enabling them to make informed decisions about patient care 3.

Limitations of the Evidence

  • The provided studies do not directly address the availability of CGM on the NHS for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom.
  • The studies primarily focus on the benefits and efficacy of CGM in improving glycemic control and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 3, 4, 5.

References

2
Research

A review of flash glucose monitoring in type 2 diabetes.

Diabetology & metabolic syndrome, 2021

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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