Glucose-Lowering Therapy
Primary Care Prescribing Guidance on Oral Anti-Diabetic Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Abbreviated prescribing guidance is available here: Primary care prescribing guide August 2023
A supplementary Information for the above primary care guidance is available here: Supplementary Information for T2D Prescribing Guide for Primary Care.
Further Lothian prescribing advice for Type 2 diabetes is available on the East Region Formulary is available here: diabetes-mellitus-type-2opens a new window
Anti-Hypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Therapy
Guidance on lipid-lowering of anti-hypertensive agents and lipid-lowering therapy is available here: Lothian Hypertension Guidelines
Glucose and Ketone Monitoring
Ketone Monitoring
Guidance on capillary glucose monitoring and capillary blood ketone monitoring devices is available here: diabetes-mellitus/diabetes-mellitus-diagnostic-and-monitoring-agents/opens a new window
Glucose Monitoring
FreeStyle Libre 2
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 flash continuous glucose monitoring system should be initiated on specialist advice. Further information is available here Edinburgh Diabetes – Start Libre
FreeStyle LibreLink App latest update – August 2023: The latest update to the FreeStyle LibreLink app, now available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, allows people in the UK and Ireland who use Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 system to receive glucose readings every minute automatically* sent to their phone**. Patients now have the choice to either view their glucose levels and trends with a quick glance at their phone or, for those who prefer a proactive approach to continue scanning for their glucose values.
*Glucose readings are automatically displayed in the FreeStyle LibreLink App only when a users smartphone and sensor are connected and in range. **The FreeStyle LibreLink App is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink may require registration with LibreView. For more information, click and view Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 System
Dexcom ONE
Dexcom ONE latest update – March 2023: Dexcom ONE sensor and transmitter is now routinely available in line with local/regional guidance and is included on the East Region Formulary for Specialist Initiation. Please see the ERF for more information Dexcom ONE East Region Formulary Information.
Dexcom ONE sensors and transmitters should both be prescribed and are available for electronic prescribing on Vision and EMIS.
Patients can set up and started at https://www.dexcom.com/en-gb/learn
Steroid Safety Bundle
Steroid Safety Bundle
Management of long term high dose steroid therapy, please see NHS Lothian Steroid Safety Bundle (PDF)
Information Prescriptions for People with Diabetes
Information Prescriptions are a personalised single side of A4 which include easy-to-read explanations, clear images and individual goals to prevent diabetes health complications. Further information is available here Information Prescriptions for people with diabetes | Diabetes UK
Patient information leaflets for individual medications and ‘sick day’ guidance for patients is available here: Patient Information Leaflets
Please send any queries to natalie.martin@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk