The FreeStyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system is now available through the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) reimbursement programme for all people in Ireland living with Type 1 diabetes, it has been announced.

The FreeStyle Libre system was launched in Ireland in 2016 and since 2018 has been available free of charge through the HSE, but only when prescribed for those under the age of 21. It is one of the most widely used CGM systems globally.

Welcoming the news, Kieran O’Leary, CEO, Diabetes Ireland said: "Since 2016, Diabetes Ireland and the diabetes community have been advocating for the removal of the age restriction for the FreeStyle Libre system as, unfortunately, the cost of self-funding the system has been a barrier and has left some people unable to access the technology and its benefits.

“Today, we warmly welcome the expansion of the reimbursement scheme to make the FreeStyle Libre 2 system available to all people with Type 1 diabetes at no cost to them. This will allow more people to access CGM and is a major step forward in the delivery and management of diabetes care in Ireland."

The decision by the HSE came following the findings of a report published recently by the Health Information and Quality Authority, which supported evidence that the use of a CGM can lead to improved average blood glucose levels for people with Type 1 diabetes compared with self-monitoring with a finger-prick test.

Kate Gajewska, Diabetes Ireland Advocacy and Research Manager, Diabetes Ireland, welcomed the findings of the report and urged the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to remove all restrictions on access to all CGM systems and make them accessible to everyone with Type 1 diabetes.

“We also welcome the suggestion to develop a single managed access programme that would provide a level playing field for all CGM reimbursement applications to the HSE and ensure equity of access for all,” Dr Gajewska said.

“Diabetes technology not only improves diabetes management, but also the quality of life of people with diabetes. Investing in better management tools now, means less spending on diabetes complications and associated hospitalisations in the future.”