Insulin Pumps:a new lease for life
16 June 2010
Patients want pumps, says new report
People with diabetes in Scotland want better access to a medical technology that can greatly increase their health and quality of life. Insulin pumps: a new lease for life brings together the stories of people with diabetes who have often struggled to get access to insulin pumps, which offer an alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin. Shaped like a bleeper they deliver small amounts of insulin throughout the day.
Produced by Diabetes UK Scotland, A new lease for life calls for action across Scotland, where there is a very low level of access to pumps. Currently just over 500 people with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland are on insulin pumps compared to a possible figure of around 3000. Insulin pumps are a cost effective treatment that can help to reduce contact with primary care, reduce hospital outpatient and inpatient admissions as well as delivering a better quality of life.
22 year old Martyn Carr from Barrhead has been on a pump for 4 years, “I cannot describe how much my insulin pump has changed my life. I feel more like a ‘normal’ person. I think everyone should be able to get an insulin pump. “
Fiona Dear from Perth, has also been on a pump for four years: “Before I had my pump too much time was wasted feeling very below par. Now I work, exercise, socialise and look after my family without having to take time out to deal with my diabetes.”
The report contains a series of pump related orignal illustration throughout by 18 year old Marc Hillis of Jordanhill, Glasgow. Marc started wearing a pump in March 2010.
Diabetes UK Scotland Director, Jane-Claire Judson, called for more action from Health Boards,”If the NHS still needs convincing about the benefits of pumps, they should read this report and listen to what people with diabetes are saying. Without a pump, people say they struggle with their independence and tell of a life blighted by depression, missed opportunities and complications with their diabetes. The difference on receiving a pump is quite remarkable. People begin to look forward to life, they say their diabetes feels more balanced and for once they have a feeling of being in control.”
Over 500 people now use pumps supplied through the NHS. The majority of people who could benefit from a pump often face significant waiting times of three or more years. Diabetes UK Scotland would like to see the increased scrutiny promised by the Government and the imminent publication of the Scottish Diabetes Action Plan to deliver fair access to insulin pumps for people with diabetes across Scotland.
