Australians with type 1 diabetes will soon have free access to the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system thanks to the Morrison Government’s $300 million Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Initiative.

The FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring device measures glucose levels without the use of lancets, test strips and blood.

A sensor is worn on the back of the arm and connects to a reader on a mobile phone application, which in turn stores glucose levels day and night to help people manage their diabetes, and avoid dangerous hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he had been contacted by a number constituents over this matter and he was glad this monitoring system would now be free for people with Type 1 diabetes.

“Without Government subsidy, these Australians would normally pay $92.50 every two weeks for the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system – over $2,400 per year,” Mr Vasta said.

“The introduction of FreeStyle Libre will increase the range of products available to support Australians with diabetes from 1 March 2020.”

Minister for Health Greg Hunt MP said the government was also streamlining the eligibility criteria, to increase the number of Australians who can access fully subsidised glucose monitoring devices through the CGM scheme to 58,000 people, up from 37,000.

“This will be achieved by simplifying the clinical criteria for people with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older, and who have concessional status,” Minister Hunt said.

Under the scheme, from 1 March 2020, the Government will provide fully subsidised CGM products to a wider range of Australians, including:

· Children and young people, under 21 years of age, with type 1 diabetes.

· Children and young people with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes, such as cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and neonatal diabetes, who require insulin.

· Women with type 1 diabetes who are planning for pregnancy, pregnant, or immediately post-pregnancy.

· People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older and who have concessional status.

The Morrison Government is committed to supporting Australians with type 1 diabetes, investing over $300 million over four years from 2019-20 in the CGM Initiative.

The Liberal National Government will expand free access to glucose monitoring devices for pregnant women, children and more adults with type 1 diabetes, saving people in Bonner up to $7,000 a year.

Mr Vasta welcomed the $100 million announcement and said the investment guarantees certainty.

“This additional funding over the next four years will ensure that free glucose monitoring devices will be available to over 37,000 eligible people with type 1 diabetes across Australia,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m proud to be part of this Government that recognises the need to support people with type 1 diabetes and their families. I personally know many families in my electorate affected by type 1 diabetes who will stand to benefit from this support.”

From March 1 2019, eligibility for fully subsidised continuous glucose monitoring devices will be expanded under the National Diabetes Services Scheme to include:

• Women with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant, breastfeeding or actively planning pregnancy

• People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who have concessional status, and who have a high clinical need such as experiencing recurrent severe hypoglycaemic events

• Children and young people with conditions similar to type 1 diabetes who require insulin. This includes a range of conditions such as cystic fibrosis related diabetes or neonatal diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks a person’s ability to produce insulin. People with this condition must be able to monitor their glucose levels day and night.

Continuous glucose monitoring devices continually monitor a person’s glucose levels and provides alerts if glucose levels drop too low.

It involves a sensor, usually attached to the stomach, that monitors the glucose levels and has an alarm that can alert people or their carer if the levels drop to low.

Our Government also plans to add the new the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to the scheme for these people with type 1 diabetes. This will provide patients with more choice in how they manage their diabetes through this important program.

The FreeStyle Libre device involves a sensor on the arm that monitors glucose levels and sends readings to a user’s mobile phone or diabetes management device. When a patient passes their phone or device past the sensor it provides a reading of their glucose levels.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Government will work with Diabetes Australia and key diabetes experts to implement the expanded scheme and finalise the clinical criteria.

“Expanding access to these glucose monitoring devices helps reduce stress and anxiety as well as emergency visits to the hospital,” Minster Hunt said.

“These devices will bring peace of mind to Australians with type 1 diabetes and improve their quality of life now and into the future.”

In line with a commitment made during the 2016 federal election, the Coalition Government has already made access to glucose monitoring products available to eligible children and young people aged under 21 years with type 1 diabetes – nearly 9,500 young Australians – through the National Diabetes Services Scheme have already taken up the free devices.

The Morrison Government’s strong economic management means we can make sure more patients have access to more life-saving and life-improving medicines and treatments.