Originally published Wednesday 22nd June 2016
Over 40 healthcare professionals from across Wales met in Abergavenny on 15 June in the second meeting of the Children and Young People’s Wales Diabetes Network. The theme of the meeting was the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and similar technology in the lives of children and young people.
The meeting opened with a presentation from Louise Arnold, parent rep in the South West England network, whose family have used CGM for some time. She reports they have seen an improvement in both clinical outcomes and quality of life as a result of using CGM. Louise reported reduced anxiety and feeling more in control of diabetes.
Industry partners who were exhibiting at the meeting also presented on the variety of monitoring devices available, including the Libre ‘flash monitoring’ system that provides glucose readings without the need for finger prick tests. Following a broad discussion, network members agreed to adopt an all-Wales approach to CGM.
Other topics discussed included Seren, the structured education programme now in use throughout Wales, the first meeting of the new Transition sub-group, and an update on the steering group meeting that was held in the morning. There were also tutorials led by staff from Hicom and Diasend about making good use of the new information systems which will soon be standard throughout Wales.
This was the first meeting attended by the network’s newly appointed parent representatives. Discussions with parents in other parts of Wales are ongoing, with a view to appointing some more reps.