NHS England patients with Type 1 diabetes will now be eligible for life-changing continuous glucose monitors after the health service secured a new cut-price deal. The wearable arm gadget sends information to a mobile app and allows diabetes patients to monitor their glucose levels at any time without having to scan or take a finger prick test.

Normally continuous glucose monitors are more expensive than flash monitors – which record glucose levels by scanning a sensor – but due to the NHS agreeing a new cost-effective deal with manufacturers DEXCOM, they will now be available for NHS patients on prescription at a similar price.

The monitor, called Dexcom ONE Real Time-Continuous Glucose Monitoring, uses a sensor no bigger than a bottle cap that attaches to the arm for up to 10 days and measures glucose levels from just under the skin.

Patients will receive their starter pack – which will include information on the product and usage, a sensor and transmitter – from the hospital or GP surgery once prescribed, after which they can go to the pharmacy for their repeat prescription

The deal comes after the NHS surpassed its initial Long Term Plan target to ensure 20% of people with Type 1 diabetes were benefiting from flash monitors by March 2021 – with recent data showing nearly three-fifths are already accessing the technology.

The wider rollout of the technology will help diabetes patients manage their condition better – reducing hospitalisations and associated diabetic illnesses which will ultimately ease pressure off the NHS.

Health Minister James Morris said: “This is an excellent example of how technology can help people manage their long-term conditions from the comfort of their own homes, reducing pressure on the NHS and improving health outcomes for patients.

“We’re determined to harness the latest technology to improve healthcare across the country. Thanks to the NHS for negotiating this great deal which delivers value for money and benefits patients.”