Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced $2.1 million in funding to make it easier for people with diabetes to manage their condition.

From November 1,  HbA1c tests will be able to be completed at a GP surgery, by an appropriately trained GP or specialist and the results will be available immediately.

This will make is easier, and in some cases cheaper, for people to manage their diabetes.

Currently, HbA1c testing is performed in labs. This means a person has to get a referral from a GP, then visit a pathology centre to have blood drawn. The blood is then sent to a lab and results are provided back to the GP. Then a person has another appointment to discuss the results. Having to make multiple visits to different healthcare providers can put people off regular tests – which are important for people managing diabetes.

Now, people will be able to make one trip to their GP and get immediate results. This is particularly good for people in regional, rural and remote communities and people with impaired mobility.

We have consistently advocated to make it easier for people with diabetes to manage the condition and we are glad the Australian Government has listened.

Diabetes Australia supports these changes, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the diabetes community. 

Read the full press release here: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/21-million-to-support-australians-with-diabetes