Paediatric Society and Hyperinsulinism Charity National Surveys on CGM Access for Patients With Recurrent Hypoglycaemia

Abstract

Objective Recurrent hypoglycaemia can result in significant neurological impairments in children and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology has been shown to reduce recurrent hypoglycaemia in conditions such as congenital hyperinsulinism and metabolic disease. Design setting In the United Kingdom, CGM devices are currently only recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for patients with diabetes and not for other diagnoses. In 2021, the British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) conducted a national health professional survey in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland looking at CGM access to funding for children and young people with recurrent hypoglycaemia, without the diagnosis of diabetes. The UK Children’s Hyperinsulinism charity (UK CHC) also conducted a national patient survey. Results Responses from BSPED were received from 55 units while the UK CHC received 69 responses from individual families, the largest response to a survey carried out by the charity. The results of the BSPED and UK CHC surveys found that funding streams for CGM were highly variable. Only 29% were able to access CGM for recurrent hypoglycaemia and from these, 65% were self-funding CGM. Conclusions BSPED and UK CHC national surveys support a call and a change in national policy for CGM access to be widened to patients who suffer from recurrent hypoglycaemia such as those with hyperinsulinism or metabolic conditions. The prevention of recurrent hypoglycaemia remains a cornerstone management for people who suffer from frequent hypoglycaemia and further research is warranted to determine the safety and efficacy of CGM in detection and reduction of hypoglycaemic events, impact of hospital stay and long term neurological outcomes.