Photo Credits: Number 10.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n‘Schoolchildren without the pump have had to eat lunch without their friends because they need to go into a room to inject themselves first’<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Rhys Perry, 22, who is a a youth worker for Diabetes UK Cymru, has regularly been told this during conversations he has had in Cardiff and across Wales. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rhys, from Bridgend, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was eight years old. He has juggled an active life playing rugby with the condition. But it has just got easier with his Dexcom, a continuous glucose monitor which links to his phone via Bluetooth. This has only become available in the last few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The technology has been amazing. I’ve found it easier to track my days with the Dexcom. I can also plan ahead for my rugby training. The England Rugby player Henry Slade, who also has the Dexcom, has inspired me,” Rhys said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘My glucose monitor has helped me stop feeling like I’ve had seven shots of alcohol when my blood sugar is low’<\/h4>\n\n\n\n “When I was having low blood sugar it felt like having five, six or even seven shots of alcohol, but my Libre 2, a glucose monitor, has helped stop that,” said Ethan Hearne, also from Bridgend. Ethan was diagnosed when he was 16 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ethan, who turns 20 this week, continued: “When I was first diagnosed, my late grandmother, who was type two diabetic at the time, helped me out a lot, but now the technology has helped me even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I now work in a bar and I\u2019m constantly busy dealing with drinks so it’s much easier having a sensor on my arm rather than having to finger prick.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘People mistake you for being a junkie when taking injections – pumps help with that stigma’<\/h4>\n\n\n\n “Some pumps are so small and easy to conceal. That helps people adapt to and embrace their condition,” said Gareth Scott Davies, 23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Diabetes UK Cymru young leader, from Bridgend, continued: “When I’ve taken an injection, people have mistaken me for being a junkie when they don’t realise it is saving my life. It takes a toll on your mental health. I do have the Dexcom which helps me.” He hopes to also start using the pump next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it’s not just the technology which has helped Gareth – it is companionship, too. Gareth and Rhys were diagnosed a month before each other when at school together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“For that one month it was just me and I did what any nine-year-old would do. I started questioning why me. But when you\u2019ve got someone else you no longer feel isolated,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘There is going to be a big programme of investment in technology’, says UK government<\/h4>\n\n\n\n At the UK government’s NHS consultation launch on October 21, aimed to inform their 10-year plan, Wes Streeting told The Cardiffian<\/em> he is hopeful that more people will have access to pumps and sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Health Secretary said: \u201cI\u2019ve seen how sensors mean parents can track their children\u2019s blood sugar levels while they are at school by providing live updates to a phone. It is a massive source of reassurance to parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“With the right investment, the technology will also provide massive savings for the NHS while reducing disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We will mobilise everyone to deal with the challenge. I am very optimistic.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\nWes Streeting speaking at the UK government’s NHS consultation launch on October 21, 2024 (Photo Credits: Number 10).<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn an interview with The Cardiffian<\/em>, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added: \u201cThere is going to be a big programme of investment in technology as a result of the Budget.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nShe continued: “The First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has set up a medical advisory group to bring experts in to help us in Wales. They will identify the best practice so that we can share ideas across the border too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe’ve all got a responsibility to make sure Wales will be included. The best of the NHS in England is shared with the rest of the NHS.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
More diabetes technology is expected to be included in Streeting’s NHS plan set to be published next Spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: \u201cThe new UK Government shares our priorities and values which allows us to work together to improve NHS services for people living in Wales and England.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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