In March 2003, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidance on the use of insulin pumps.
However, by early 2007 there was wide variation in access across the country - highlighting that the guidance was not being implemented consistently.
On 8 March 2007 the Insulin Pumps Working Group, set up in November 2005, published their report helping to clarify NICE guidance.
The Insulin Pumps Working Group’s findings include:
- Commissioners of diabetes services should ensure that pump therapy is included as part of a comprehensive service for Type 1 diabetes.
- Clinicians and patient representatives should carry out a needs assessment for insulin pumps and further work should be done to understand current use of pump therapy.
- For potential future use there needs to be a robust and efficient supply chain from procurement to home delivery clinical communities.
- Partners should agree a national curriculum for staff training and patient education.
“We hope primary care organisations will take on board the recommendations in the report on insulin pumps to improve the lives of people with diabetes, particularly young children, who have been unable to access pump therapy,” said Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK.