The Coalition’s 2016 Election commitment of $54m over four years to provide Continuous Glucose Monitoring through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) to children and young people with type 1 diabetes was warmly welcomed by Diabetes Australia.

This was something we advocated for on behalf of Australia’s diabetes community.

Since then, Diabetes Australia has been working constructively with the Federal Government and the Department of Health to ensure the initiative is implemented successfully.

While a target start date of 1 January was included in the election policy documents, detailed work has been required to ensure safe, reliable and effective delivery of the program. Diabetes Australia supports this approach.

“It is important that good, reliable information and systems are in place so that children and young people with type 1 diabetes and their families can safely and reliably access CGM through the NDSS,” CEO Greg Johnson said.

“This includes developing the clinical eligibility criteria to ensure that the program targets children and young people who are at the highest risk and will benefit most from this technology.

“Importantly, education and support programs are being developed to ensure families and their diabetes healthcare teams understand how to access CGM and use the technology safely.

“All of this is important so that families can be confident that they can rely on the program, understand how to access CGM products and be assured that those children and young people at highest risk gain access.

“We understand the Government will announce a start date for the program very soon. Diabetes Australia fully supports the current timing and approach being taken for the safe, reliable and effective delivery of the new CGM program to maximise the benefits to children and young people with type 1 diabetes,” he said.

The National Diabetes Services Scheme is an initiative of the Australian Government administered with the assistance of Diabetes Australia.