Diabetes Guide for London (NHS)

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sue on April 7, 2009 at 7:28am

Thanks a lot Manny. good to know what's going on. the NHS has only just been advised to put insulin dependent diabetics on pumps as the preferred mode of treatment. About time, people have a lot of trouble having access to pumps in the UK but that should change now. Regards, Sue

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rob Barrett on April 21, 2009 at 6:35am

Wow - I asked if I should go on a pump and offered to pay - I was told by my consultant that it would not make much difference!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Catherine on May 26, 2009 at 2:54pm

I've heard many mixed reports regarding pumps. Pumps, it appears, are not the magical answers that many people seem to be under the impressions that they are.
For the NHS to fund them for all insulin dependants would no doubt be a financial disaster especially as PCT seem to have less and less money to fund their areas.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Alison Finney on May 27, 2009 at 1:53am

Pumps, like anything, are just tools to help manage diabetes. You need to work at it to understand how to get the best out of it, they certainly aren't a magical answer. That said, I find mine an incredible tool and much better for me than MDI.

Financially, pumps are more expensive than MDI, but that doesn't take into account the potential better control and therefore reduced risk of complications later in life. Treating me for renal failure in 20 years time will be far more expensive for the NHS than funding a pump for me now.

Whether a pump is right for you is a very personal decision. I did the research, spoke to a lot of people who used them and decided it was worth a try. I've had it 2 years now and would never go back. In case it's of interest, I blogged about the top questions people ask about pumps here - http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2009/04/pumping-for-beginners/

▶ Reply to This