Type 2 Diabetes: Continuous Glucose Monitors

Debate between Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee and Baroness Merron

Tuesday 19th November 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes a helpful point. I can tell your Lordships’ House that diabetes testing is included as part of the NHS health check. If a person is identified as being at high risk of type 2 diabetes, they should be offered a blood sugar glucose test or a fasting glucose test. NICE produces guidelines on preventing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk, and that includes recommendations on risk assessments, including blood testing, which can include people with a high BMI. His point is extremely valid, some of that is in place and we will ensure that it continues.

[Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, I am sure the Minister agrees that access to a GP is critical, whether that is in detecting and monitoring diabetes or, in relation to the first Question, detecting and monitoring cancer. Would she be surprised, therefore, that in Northern Ireland it is almost impossible to access a GP at present? Indeed, it is at an all-time low. Will she consider doing a comparative study across the United Kingdom to look at access to GPs because, unfortunately, I believe it is not a very good story at all.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I hear what the noble Baroness says and I am glad to report that I met the Northern Ireland Health Minister recently, along with colleague Peers, to discuss a range of matters including differences across the nations. I will consider the point that she makes.