United Kingdom

In the UK, insulin and other diabetes medicines are available free of charge for all people living with diabetes (PwD). Supplies and technology for blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration are available at no cost for all PwD, except for connected/smart pens, insulin pumps, automated delivery systems and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) which are free of charge only for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) on multiple daily injections insulin therapy.

Screening for all diabetes-related complications is available throughout the UK and is recommended on an annual or biennial basis. Despite this, screening is not consistently carried out.

Nurses play a role in the prevention and management of diabetes for all PwD. Upon completion of relevant courses and assessments, nurses are allowed to prescribe diabetes medicines.