National diabetes professional bodies could assist the Coalition’s plan for continuous glucose monitoring

The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) and the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) commend the Coalition Government’s positive response to their joint statement with APEG, JDRF and DA last week.

The government’s commitment is to invest $54 million under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) to subsidise continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology for children and young people under 21 years of age who are living with type 1 diabetes.

Both ADEA and ADS congratulate the Coalition Government on this important decision that will help an estimated 4,000 children and young adults under 21 to monitor their blood sugar levels instead of having to prick their finger, and as a result, will save the average family up to $4,000 per year off the cost of managing type 1 diabetes.

Credentialled diabetes educators are best equipped to educate children, their families and young adults in the use of continuous glucose monitoring, assisting the Coalition’s plan to leverage innovative technology in health care to support people with diabetes.

Tracy Aylen, President of the ADEA said ‘Credentialled diabetes educators welcome this initiative that will improve health outcomes for children and young adults with type 1 diabetes and make an incredible difference in their lives and daily self-management of this chronic condition.’

Sof Andrikopoulos, President of the ADS said ‘Affordable access to new technologies including CGM is critical in the management of diabetes and prevention of complications.’

The statistics provide strong evidence of why this commitment will improve clinical outcomes for these children and young adults under 21. Statistics show:

• There are currently 13,600 children and young adults under 21 with type 1 diabetes.
• There are approximately six new cases of type 1 diabetes diagnosed every day.
• There are around 50,000 hospitalisations due to type 1 diabetes every year.

The ADEA and ADS call on the Coalition Government to engage in continuous constructive consultation with them to provide more support for all people with diabetes.

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Media contact: Vy Le | 0401 066 554 | 02 6173 1009 | vy.le@adea.com.au

Please click here to download the media release and fact sheet.