THERE will be a lot of people in the Cowdenbeath Area who suffer from diabetes.

Hopefully I have some good news for them.

Diabetes is a serious condition which requires careful management every day in order to stay healthy and reduce the risk of complications such as lower limb amputation, blindness, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way in the treatment of diabetes with innovations and emerging technologies which can make managing the condition easier and support people to live healthy, happy lives.

Once such advance in technology is Flash Glucose Monitoring (Flash GM) which offers a convenient, pain-free way to test blood glucose levels regularly throughout the day. Flash GM also provides additional insight to how the condition is affecting the individual. With this greater understanding comes the ability to better self-manage the condition and freedom to live life with fewer challenges.

Thousands of people across Scotland could benefit from Flash GM, particularly young children and their families. Diabetes Scotland is campaigning to ensure that every person whose life can be improved by Flash GM is given the opportunity to use the device.

We are eager to hear from people living with diabetes about their experiences of Flash GM whether you have been prescribed the device, are self-funding or haven’t yet been able to try it. By sharing your story, you can help us ensure everyone across Scotland who can benefit from the life-changing technology can gain access to it.

If you would like to tell us your story and support our campaign for Flash GM, please contact us on DiabetesVoices@diabetes.org.uk

For more information on Flash GM and to get involved in our campaign, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/flash

CLAIRE FLEMING,

Diabetes Scotland.