A NEW technology that is potentially life-changing for many people with diabetes is now available in Ryedale.

Health leaders from both the Vale of York and Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have approved the use of flash glucose monitoring, which means people who meet local criteria will be able to get it free on prescription for the first time.

Flash glucose monitoring is a technology which uses a small sensor that people wear on their skin. It records blood sugar levels continuously and can be read by scanning the sensor whenever needed. This can free people from the pain of frequent finger-prick testing, making it easier to keep on top of blood sugar levels.

Crucially, the device can help with better control of the condition and, in turn, reduce the risk of serious diabetes-related complications such as amputation, blindness and stroke.

The technology is available on the NHS now due to campaigning by Diabetes UK.

Stephen Ryan, head of the north at Diabetes UK, said: “It’s really good news that people in York, Scarborough and Ryedale who can benefit from Flash will be able to get this new technology free-of-charge on prescription.”