There is a critical situation regarding access to insulin pump technology for people with diabetes in Scotland. According to reports, the health board in Lothian has limited pump availability to children and pregnant women only.
People with diabetes who rely on pumps for managing their condition may face challenges if they are unable to access them. While injectable insulin is an alternative, it may not provide the same level of precision and continuity as pumps. This could potentially lead to difficulties with blood glucose management.
Furthermore, the reported regional disparity in access to pump funding is unacceptable. It creates an uneven access for people with diabetes depending on their location. This postcode based access disproportionately disadvantages those in areas where pumps are not routinely funded. This lack of access can have negative implications.
Many healthcare systems suffer from postcode or zip code variations, and the one in Scotland is no different. Keeping abreast of where areas are lagging behind and working with policy makers to correct this is vital work to ensure no one misses out.
Advocacy Action:
Can you check whether the services you receive are the same as everyone else in your country? Can you raise with your local representatives where services are lagging behind and ask for support to take corrective action so that postcodes don’t affect the diabetes services a person receives in your country.