Leicester researchers identify ethnic disparities in accessing continuous glucose monitors

People from Afro-Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds are less likely to be prescribed “life-changing” diabetes technology compared to White individuals, a new study has reported.

Researchers at the University of Leicester have drawn attention to stark health inequalities in access to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), despite these ethnic groups facing a higher risk of developing diabetes, and often at a younger age.

CGMs are small wearable devices that track blood sugar levels in real time, helping people avoid dangerous highs and lows while offering greater freedom in daily life.

Under current NICE guidelines, everyone with type 1 diabetes, and some people with type 2, should have access to CGMs. However, concerns remain that not all eligible people are being offered this technology.

For this study the researchers analysed data from OpenPrescribing, the National Diabetes Audit and Public Health England to explore whether access to CGMs varied by ethnicity, age or levels of deprivation.

They found that White populations generally had greater access, while Afro-Caribbean and South Asian groups were prescribed fewer CGMs per 1,000 people.

Their review also revealed wide regional differences across England, largely influenced by how effectively local NHS boards have implemented NICE guidance.

The research was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands.

Professor Sam Seidu, Clinical Professor in Primary Care Diabetes and Cardio-metabolic Medicine at the University of Leicester, said: “These findings show that there are deep inequalities in access to life-changing diabetes technology in England.

“If left unaddressed, these inequalities mean that people in minority ethnic groups may face even worse outcomes because they are being left behind in access to modern care.”

He added: “CGMs not only improve quality of life but also help prevent hospitalisations and long-term complications.

“This translates into better health for people with diabetes and lower costs for the NHS, provided all regions follow NICE guidance and prioritise outreach to underserved groups.”

Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Director of NIHR ARC East Midlands and the Real World Evidence Unit and Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester, stated: “Ensuring fair access to continuous glucose monitoring is not only a matter of improving diabetes care but also of tackling entrenched health inequalities.

“Our study highlights that the very communities most at risk of diabetes are being disadvantaged in accessing technologies that could transform their lives. Closing this gap must be a priority for clinicians, commissioners and policymakers alike.”

NIHR ARC East Midlands funds vital work to tackle the region’s health and care priorities by speeding up the adoption of research onto the frontline of health and social care. The organisation puts in place evidence-based innovations which seek to drive up standards of care and save time and money. 

NIHR ARC East Midlands is hosted by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and works in collaboration with the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network. It has bases at the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham. 

To access the full research study, click here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dme.70130.