58,000 people with diabetes to access free diabetes monitoring technology

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. 

Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson welcomed Freestyle Libre’s inclusion on the CGM Initiative and the streamlining of eligibility criteria as important steps to help ensure people who need this life changing technology can access it. 

“In the past three years we have seen the number of people with type 1 diabetes able to access life-changing glucose monitoring technology grow considerably,” Professor Johnson said. 

“Today’s announcement means that around 50 per cent of all people with type 1 diabetes in Australia will now have free access to this technology."

Continuous and Flash glucose monitors are small wearable devices that monitor glucose levels automatically, providing readings every few minutes. People with diabetes can see their glucose levels using apps on their smart phones. 

Both continuous and Flash glucose monitoring devices reduce the need for finger prick checks and give a lot more information to the person with type 1 diabetes and their healthcare team about glucose trends and “time on range” for glucose levels.