Children with diabetes given greater access to new treatment

Kids returning to school given head start with fight against diabetes

Following on from new guidance from the National Institute of Health& Clinical Excellence (NICE), the 20,000 children with Type 1 diabetes, who are starting or returning to school this September, could now benefit from a potentially life-changing way to manage their condition.

There are over 2.3million people with diabetes in the UK, many of whom have to synchronise their life around the clock with insulin injections, which can be painful as well as time consuming.  For many this looks set to change after the NICE guidance recommended greater access to insulin pump therapy, particularly amongst children and young people.

Britain is lagging behind other major countries in terms of diabetes management as only 1 in 1000 use an insulin pump in this country compared to 1 in 7 German sufferers and 1 in 8 from the US. 

As part of a recent study into the quality of life benefits of the pumps, British children reported reduced interruption in their school day, such as not having to miss lesson time to attend the medical room to administer their injections. They also said that they felt a greater freedom and felt less ‘controlled’ by their diabetes.

Other benefits of replacing injections with insulin pump therapy include: fewer hypoglycaemic episodes, the opportunity to participate in sports without having to plan ahead and the freedom for the patient to eat whatever and whenever they want.

Dr Katharine Barnard PhD from the School of Psychology at the University of Southampton, who conducted the research commented: "The widening of NICE guidance is great news, particularly for children with Type 1 diabetes and their parents as it could mean children gain greater access to the therapy.  Evidence shows that in addition to the medical benefits, there are significant psychosocial benefits associated with insulin pump therapy, including improved quality of life.  Research shows that pumps can have a positive impact on school life, as young people often become more comfortable at an earlier age with administering their own insulin according to their food intake and blood glucose levels." 

For more information visit www.accu-chek.co.uk