A RUNNER ranked ninth best in the country for his age fears he could become seriously ill if he does not get support for his diabetes.

Simon Morgan, from Tiptree, is a Type 1 diabetic who runs competitively for Colchester Harriers & Eastern Master’s AC.

In the summer he came second in the over 50s 2,000m race in the EMAC Championships, which ranks him ninth in the country for his age group.

However, the 51-year-old, from Tiptree, is getting frustrated with the North Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, which refuses to fund a Freestyle Libre monitoring system he needs to read sugar levels.

Mr Morgan said: “I was diagnosed in 2003, as my pancreas started to play up I was getting thinner and more thirsty.

“I went to the GP and my sugar reading was at 23, it should be about six for a normal person.”

The fitness fanatic has always been a member of a running club, and does not want his diabetes to limit him.

He said: “I’m frightened of losing the feeling in my feet; some diabetics end up losing their toes.

“I’m hampered by technology as I’m using really basic stuff which doesn’t tell me whether my sugar level is going up or down.”

Some Type 1 diabetics have a monitor which uses sensors to continually monitor sugar levels. He was given a monitor when it was first trialled, however since they became available on prescription it is down to each clinical commissioning group to decide whether to fund it.

The North Essex CCG does not fund the machine, for which the sensors cost £80 a month.

He said: “Before I run, I prick my finger and unless the sugar is really high I’ll have a banana or some Lucozade. As I’m so competitive I don’t stop to prick my finger in the middle of a race. I’m probably running with my sugar levels higher than they should be.

“The monitor will help me reduce my blood sugar levels as it continuously monitors me without the need for painful finger pricking tests which I have to do 10 times daily.

“In the long run the monitor will save money as it will help me prevent further complications.”

He contacted diabetic service, NEEDS, as well as the CCG, but has had no response.

He said: “I’m getting exasperated by the whole thing. I am trying to keep fit myself and can’t afford to pay for the monitor privately.”

A CCG spokesman said he would not comment on individual cases but added: “The Department of Health and Social Care authorised the Freestyle Libre to be made available on Part IX of the Drug Tariff from November 1, 2017.

“Although this is available for prescribing, the CCG does not at present support its use.

“The East Of England Prescribing Advisory Committee is reviewing the evidence and cost effectiveness to ensure a consistent approach across the Eastern region. The CCG is already working with providers to determine how this could be implemented.”