New diabetes treatment and eye screening

NHS England has approved new treatments for people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

For Type 1, you may be started on a Hybrid Closed Loop insulin pump.

For Type 2, you may be given GLP-1/GIP daily or weekly injections to lower blood sugar levels.

Both treatments can result in a rapid drop in the level of glucose (sugars) in the bloodstream, and better blood glucose control.  Whilst this is beneficial for many, for anyone with previous signs of higher risk diabetic retinopathy or maculopathy, there is an increased risk that this might get worse in the short term.

Your diabetes nurse can advise you whether you need to attend screening more frequently to monitor this.

For anyone with past results of no retinopathy or background retinopathy, the risk is very low and you will be recalled to screening in either 1 or 2 years as indicated in your most recent results letter.

For more information visit:

NHS England » Hybrid closed loop technology

DiabetesUK Diabetes Treatments