The HSE has good news for diabetics in Mayo

A 'life-changing' medical device which supports people with Type 1 diabetes and which had cost €120 a month is now being funded by the HSE, it has been reported.

According to a report in the Irish Examiner, the device for diabetes management, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system manufactured by Abbott, is a continuous glucose monitor which allows patients better understand their condition.

Diabetes Ireland CEO, Kieran O’Leary, has welcomed the HSE decision to fund the device.

He said they called for this since 2016, stating: “The cost of self-funding the system has been a barrier and has left some people unable to access the technology and its benefits.”

The HSE decision was linked to the budget impact associated with use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) sensors.

It also followed a health technology assessment carried out by the regulators Hiqa.

The scheme applies to all sensors on a national reimbursement list.

Hospital consultants can apply for reimbursement approval for suitable patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.