Jackie Baillie has urged the SNP Government to make the rollout of diabetes tech a priority for those living with the condition across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP attended at Diabetes Scotland’s World Diabetes Day Parliamentary Reception recently for the launch of their Diabetes Tech Can’t Report.  

In the report, Diabetes Scotland outlines recommendations for the Scottish Government and NHS on how to achieve fair and equal access to diabetes tech across Scotland with statistics showing that the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde region is lagging behind many other areas.

The region reports a lower than average number of type one diabetes patients using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) compared with national figures. In Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 4.6 percent of adults and 18.8 percent of young people aged up to 17 use CGM which is 1.3 percent below the national average for adults and 12.2 percent below the national average for young people.

There are also far fewer people with type one diabetes in Greater Glasgow and Clyde who are using an insulin pump compared to the Scottish average, although progress has been made since 2021.

The numbers of type two diabetes patients in the region using any form of tech is minimal.

The report by Diabetes Scotland recommends that 100 percent of children and 70 percent of adults living with type one diabetes are using hybrid closed loop technology by the year 2030. This means that readings are taken from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an algorithm tells an insulin pump how much insulin to deliver. The charity is urging the Scottish Government to adopt ambitious targets and to go further and faster in the rollout of diabetes tech.  

Jackie Baillie said: “It is disappointing that we’ve been fighting diabetes for so long, yet such a large proportion of children and adults continue without these lifesaving technologies. I am concerned that the figures in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which covers Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven are particularly low compared to elsewhere in Scotland meaning people here are missing out on vital support.

“Every person with diabetes, regardless of background, should have fair and equal access to technology that effectively manages the condition and enhances their overall wellbeing. No one should have to fight for it. 

“I strongly endorse the recommendations outlined in this report and call on the Scottish Government to commit to achieving them. The ambitious targets set out represent a commitment to harnessing innovative technology to improve the quality of life for those grappling with this chronic condition.”