We are pleased to say that the Government announced that from 1 March 2020, 58,000 Australians with type 1 diabetes will be able to access the Freestyle Libre Flash glucose monitoring system. The clinical criteria for the CGM initiative, part of the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), will also be simplified allowing people with type 1 diabetes, aged over 21 who have a valid concession card to access free, life changing glucose sensor devices.
These are the people that are eligible for this:
- Children and young people aged under 21 years with type 1 diabetes.
- Women with type 1 diabetes who are planning for pregnancy, pregnant, or immediately post pregnancy.
- Children and young people with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes, such as cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and neonatal diabetes, who require insulin.
- People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older and who have concessional status.
Whilst we are so pleased for the 58,000 people whose lives will be changed, we are desperate for the remaining 70,000 who don't hold concession cards because they work, to also be eligible and get the same access.
Having access to this is life changing. The ADEA and also Danni Foundation have worked tirelessly to get this far - let's help them get help for the remaining people who need this. Many of whom are in hospital with DKA's on a far too regular basis.