New AI-driven device for predicting overnight hypoglycemia available for first time on NHS for people with diabetes in Devon

People living with diabetes across Devon can now access a new AI-powered continuous glucose monitor (CGM) through the NHS for the first time, as a new campaign launches in the region to highlight the impact of the condition on everyday life.

Accu-Chek® SmartGuide uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse glucose patterns and predict where glucose levels are heading over the next 30 minutes, two hours and throughout the night. By helping people anticipate potential drops in their glucose levels, the technology aims to give users greater insight into their condition and more confidence in managing it.

The new campaign, The Yes Years, is shining a light on how the demands of managing diabetes can affect people’s ability to enjoy the moments that make life special.

New research reveals the extent to which concerns about managing diabetes can affect people’s social lives. More than half (53%) of people living with diabetes surveyed in the South West said they had turned down a social plan in the past 12 months because of their condition.

The findings also show that three in five (61%) said concerns about their glucose levels had affected whether they could say yes to spontaneous plans, either always, sometimes or often, over the same period.

From last-minute takeaways to unplanned travel and exercise, everyday activities can require additional thought and preparation. Music festivals, family gatherings, cinema trips, restaurant visits and gym classes were also among the activities people said they had avoided or cut short because of concerns about managing their glucose levels.

Across Devon, around 6,785 people are registered with type 1 diabetes and approximately 72,275 people are registered with type 2 and other types of diabetes. People living with the condition across the region are being encouraged to get involved with the campaign online and share their ‘yes’ moment – something they love doing and wish they could do more of despite the demands of their diabetes.

Peter Kelly, Lead Consultant Diabetes Nurse from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, said: “It’s really positive news that people living with diabetes across Devon will now have access to this continuous glucose monitor in accordance with the local prescribing guidance. As healthcare professionals, we know that managing diabetes goes far beyond monitoring glucose levels. It means making decisions about your health every day, and the mental load that comes with this can be exhausting. Research has suggested that people with diabetes make around 180 more health-related decisions each day than those without the condition.

“Innovations in glucose monitoring can give people greater insight into their glucose levels, helping them feel better informed and more confident in managing their diabetes. Ultimately, it’s about supporting people to feel more in control of their condition, so they can focus less on the demands of diabetes and more on living their lives.”

Accu-Chek SmartGuide features a water-resistant sensor worn on the back of the upper arm, which sends glucose readings to a smartphone app every five minutes. Its AI-powered predictions can alert users when their glucose is expected to drop below a safe range, helping them take action before low blood sugar becomes a problem.

Peter Hampson, Head of Medical Affairs at Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, who is leading the campaign, said: “Managing a chronic condition like diabetes is a full-time job that doesn’t pause for social calendars or music festivals. The high level of anxiety reported around these events underscores the hidden emotional and mental burden that people with diabetes carry every day.

“Our Accu-Chek SmartGuide continuous glucose monitoring system is designed to help alleviate that anxiety by predicting glucose levels and potential drops up to two hours before they happen and overnight. This gives people far greater confidence to get on with their lives and not miss out on everyday activities that they otherwise might avoid.”

For more information, please visit www.accu-check.co.uk