Children with type 2 diabetes to be given sensors to replace finger-prick testing

Government’s advisers say doctors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can prescribe glucose monitors

Hundreds of children who manage their type 2 diabetes by regularly pricking their finger can now monitor their glucose levels using automated sensors, the government’s expert health advisers have announced.

Doctors and nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have been advised they can now give glucose monitoring devices to children with type 2 diabetes who currently use the more intrusive finger-prick testing methods, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said on Thursday.