A recent study reveals a stark disparity in access to diabetes technology among ethnic minorities in England. Despite being more prone to diabetes, these communities face lower prescribing rates for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), a crucial tool for managing the condition. The research, published in Diabetic Medicine, highlights a concerning trend: black and South Asian individuals are less likely to receive CGMs, with prescribing rates per 1,000 people being significantly lower. This issue is particularly alarming as it disproportionately affects those at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, often by the age of 25. The study's lead author, Professor Samuel Seidu, emphasizes the existence of ethnic inequalities in access to CGMs, a finding supported by international research. The disparity is attributed to structural inequities in care access, with ethnicity and deprivation accounting for up to 77% of the variance in CGM prescribing for type 2 diabetes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines mandate that all adults with diabetes should have access to CGMs, yet the study exposes inconsistent implementation across England. This inconsistency is further exacerbated by the fact that many families from deprived backgrounds struggle to utilize NHS-provided diabetes technology due to the cost of smartphones, which are essential for managing type 1 diabetes, especially in children. Diabetes advocate Daniel Newman underscores the need for access to CGMs to be based on clinical need rather than socioeconomic factors. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing systemic barriers to ensure that NICE guidelines are not just acknowledged but actively implemented for all eligible individuals, regardless of their background.
