Australia’s leading national diabetes organisations are encouraging people with diabetes to continue their usual insulin purchasing practices and not stockpile or refill prescriptions more frequently.
The Department of Health has advised that there are no current national shortages or supply issues with insulin, diabetes medicines or products.
Australia’s leading national diabetes organisations are standing together to support people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are unprecedented times. However, Australia’s diabetes community is strong and resilient – and working together we are stronger.
We are united and focused on one thing – supporting and advocating for the health and wellbeing of all Australians with diabetes, and their families and support networks, and diabetes health professionals during this pandemic.
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic threat is being addressed by all Australian Governments and health services.
People with diabetes may be concerned about their risk, and also the availability of insulin and other essential medicines and their National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) products and supplies.
The Department of Health has advised Diabetes Australia that there are no current shortages or supply issues with insulin, diabetes medicines or NDSS products. People with diabetes are advised to order and obtain your diabetes medicines and supplies as usual. There is no need to stockpile.
Managing blood glucose levels is a critical part of living well with type 2 diabetes but it can be difficult for many people.
In fact, studies have shown that around half of all Australians have difficulty achieving their recommended HbA1c targets. One important factor in this is people not taking diabetes medication as prescribed.
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.
Today marks the beginning of a new era managing type 1 diabetes at school.
Students, parents, principals, teachers and school staff will benefit from the new national Diabetes in Schools program funded by the Australian Government.
Diabetes Australia would like to thank Health Minister Greg Hunt for his ongoing support and ensuring young people with type 1 diabetes are given the best possible start to life.
On behalf of children with type 1 diabetes, their families and carers, thank you Minister Hunt.
Find out more at www.diabetesinschools.com.au
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.
