In a simple swipe over a small patch on his upper arm, Michael Taylor can read his blood sugar levels in real time. Mr Taylor, who has lived with diabetes for more than 30 years, said this was a complete “game-changer”.
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He has used the FreeStyle Libre the past three months, eliminating the need for any finger prick tests, and said it had allowed him far greater control on his condition.
“This is the best thing since the insulin pump, and those came out 15 years ago,” Mr Taylor said. “Everything is immediate...Greater control staves off complications in the long term.”
A swipe will reveal real-time glucose result, show an eight-hour historical trend and the direction that blood sugar levels are heading. This takes out any guess work, particularly on the impact of food or exercise.
The major barrier is cost, including replacement arm patches.
Mr Taylor said the key was to get the device funded so it was accessible for everyone via the National Diabetes Services Scheme. He was hopeful this would happen sooner rather than later.
