DIABETICS could have to buy their own blood-testing kits and insulin pen needles, after the latest round of NHS cuts.

Experts say blood tests and the needles are a “vital” part of managing the condition and have warned health chiefs not to make changes based on “cost-effectiveness”.

In its statement to a consultation launched last November, Diabetes UK said: “When you have diabetes, these items aren’t an optional extra. They’re vital to help you manage your diabetes and for avoiding complications.”

Camden GPs, in a report from the Clinical Commissioning Group, said that if the changes are approved next month, they will no longer prescribe the medical supplies to most patients.

In a statement, NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said: “It is essential the NHS should not be paying for anything which has been proven to be ineffective or where there are safer or cheaper alternatives.”