Good News for People with Type I Diabetes

More people with Type 1 diabetes are now able to access life changing subsidised Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) products to better manage their blood glucose levels.

The Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, announced the Australian Government will extend subsidised access to CGM products under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), effective from 1 July.

Australians over the age of 21 with Type 1 diabetes will be able to access CGM products through their pharmacy, with a co-payment equivalent to $32.50 per month or $390 per year, a significant decrease from the previous cost of $5,000 per year.

“The Australian Government is investing an additional $273.1 million over four years to deliver our election commitments to better support people living with type 1 diabetes,” Minister Butler said.

“CGM technology is life-changing. Supporting more people with subsidised CGM products will improve the health and quality of life for tens of thousands of Australians living with type 1 diabetes.”

People who are currently eligible for CGM products through the NDSS will continue to receive products free of charge. This includes children and young adults under 21 with type 1 diabetes, concession card holders with type 1 diabetes, and people with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant, post-pregnancy or trying to become pregnant.

Welcoming Minister Butler’s announcement, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said the extended access would mean new hope for people living with type 1 diabetes in Eden-Monaro.

“This is great news for the almost 1,000 Eden-Monaro residents who live with type 1 diabetes,” Minister McBain said.

“CGM products really are a game-changer for so many, they help reduce complications from living with diabetes, and the need to see a doctor or go to hospital.

“While finger prick blood testing gives people a glucose reading at a single point in time, CGM gives continuous glucose readings, including during sleep.

“This change means people with type 1 diabetes in our communities won’t have to make the awful choice between accessing this life changing technology or putting food on the table. I know it will mean the world to so many,” she said.

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• Health & Wellbeing