Emerald man Richard, AKA ‘Creeky’, was on top of his diabetes management until a truck accident at work damaged his spine. Now that he can’t exercise, he is finding diabetes management more difficult.

58,000 Australians with type 1 diabetes will be able to access the Freestyle Libre Flash glucose monitoring system, Health Minister Greg Hunt announced today.

The Government also announced it will streamline eligibility for the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Initiative, part of the National Diabetes Services Scheme, making it easier for more people to access life-changing diabetes monitoring technology.

From 1 March 2020 the clinical criteria for the CGM initiative will be simplified allowing people with type 1 diabetes aged over 21 who have a valid concession card to access free, life changing glucose monitoring devices.

With people right across Australia continuing to be impacted by bushfires, please know that Diabetes Australia is here to help if we can.

If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your diabetes management that has been impacted by bushfires you can call the NDSS Helpline on 1300 136 588 and talk to a trained health professional. Alternatively, you can email on ndss@diabetesaustralia.com.au

The Helpline is operating over the Christmas and New Years period.

Roche Diabetes Care have identified that  Accu-Chek Aviva test strips, from LOT number 498287 only, may have a dosing issue.