Living With T1D/August 5, 2026/2 min read

Making Continuous Glucose Monitors Work Better for UK Patients

A new roundtable review identifies barriers to getting the right CGM to the right person—and practical steps the NHS could take to improve access and reduce costs.

PubMed indexed literature

Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.

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Key takeaways

A few well-known CGM brands dominate the market, which can limit access to other devices that may work better or cost less for individual patients
Barriers to better CGM use include uneven access across regions, lack of personalized prescribing, and insufficient training for both patients and healthcare professionals
Tailoring CGM choices to individual needs—such as selecting easier readers for older patients—could improve outcomes and lower NHS costs
Better integration of CGM data into electronic health records would reduce paperwork and enable remote monitoring to support patient self-management

The Current CGM Landscape

Continuous glucose monitors have become an important tool for people with Type 1 diabetes to track blood sugar levels in real time. However, a recent expert roundtable review found that a small number of well-known brands dominate the market, particularly among Type 1 diabetes patients. This concentration limits the range of options available to individuals and healthcare systems—even when alternative devices might be more affordable or better suited to a particular person's needs.

Where the System Falls Short

The roundtable identified several key barriers preventing more efficient and personalized CGM use across the NHS. Regional care boards apply different prescribing approaches, meaning access can vary depending on where you live. At the same time, prescribing often follows a one-size-fits-all approach rather than matching devices to individual patient needs.

Training gaps also emerged as a problem. Both patients and healthcare professionals reported insufficient education on how to use CGMs effectively, and many patients struggle to access support when they have questions.

Practical Solutions for Better CGM Access

The expert panel proposed several changes that could make CGM prescribing more flexible and effective. One key recommendation is individualised prescribing—tailoring device selection to each person's circumstances. For example, older patients might benefit from CGMs with more accessible readers, while others might need different features entirely.

Expanding training for healthcare professionals and patients was identified as another priority. Better education would help people use their devices correctly and feel confident managing their diabetes.

The panel also highlighted the value of streamlining how CGM data flows into electronic health records. This would reduce administrative burden on healthcare staff and enable remote monitoring, allowing patients to manage their diabetes with better support from their care team.

The Bigger Picture

According to the roundtable, moving toward personalized CGM prescribing, improved workflows for healthcare professionals, and better data integration could deliver a dual benefit: lower costs for the NHS and improved diabetes care for patients. The key is recognizing that people with Type 1 diabetes have different needs, and matching them with the device that works best for them—rather than defaulting to the most established brand.

Evidence label

Source: British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing). Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

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