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Access continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)

The Australian Government provides access for eligible people to subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) products through the NDSS.

All people with type 1 diabetes are eligible to apply for access to subsidised CGM products through the NDSS, as well as some people with other rare conditions that are similar to type 1 diabetes. Some people are eligible to access fully subsidised CGM products (that is, no co-payment will be required), while other people can access with a co-payment.

Access to CGM through the NDSS aims to assist in:

  • reducing the number of severe hypoglycaemic events
  • improving glucose management in people with poor glycaemic awareness or suboptimal glycaemic control (maintaining blood glucose levels in the target range reduces the risks of developing diabetes-related complications)
  • reducing visits to emergency departments, and missed work and/or school days by helping eligible people and their families to manage their type 1 diabetes
  • reducing anxiety for eligible people with type 1 diabetes.

CGM devices can assist people with type 1 diabetes to maintain blood glucose levels in their target range and manage their diabetes. CGM can also assist users with other rare conditions that are very similar to type 1 diabetes.

If you are interested in learning more about CGM speak with your diabetes health professional(s). You can also call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700.

To be eligible for access to subsidised CGM products through the NDSS you must be registered with the NDSS.

Changes

Applying for access to subsidised CGM products

To access CGM products through the NDSS, you will need to see an authorised health professional to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria and to ensure that you know how to best use CGM in the management of your diabetes.

The health professionals who are authorised to certify eligibility to access CGM products through the NDSS include endocrinologists, credentialled diabetes educators, and other health professionals specialising in diabetes (physicians, paediatricians or nurse practitioners).

All people with type 1 diabetes are eligible to apply for access to subsidised CGM products through the NDSS, as well as some people with other rare conditions that are similar to type 1 diabetes. Some people are eligible to access fully subsidised CGM products, while other people can access with a co-payment.

Product selection and use

You should see your diabetes health professional and together you will need to decide which is the most suitable glucose monitoring product for you. Not all products are suitable for everyone.

The choice of specific device to be used is a decision of the authorised health professional in consultation with, and with the informed consent of, the person and/or their carer.

Continuous glucose monitoring device summary chart

This resource has information about the devices subsidised through the NDSS, their compatibility with insulin pumps and smart devices, and links to guidelines about appropriate use.

Download

Submitting an application

To apply to access subsidised CGM products:

Send the completed form:

  • by email to [email protected] (preferred option), or
  • post to GPO Box 9824 in your capital city, or
  • fax to 1300 536 953.

Your diabetes health professional may be able to complete this form online through the NDSS Health Professional Portal. The form will be processed, and your access confirmed within minutes if all required information is supplied.

Once your application form has been received and your eligibility confirmed, we will send you an email or letter outlining how to start accessing your device.

What do I do if I no longer need to use CGM products?

If you and your diabetes health professional determine that you—or the child or the person you care for—are not benefitting from and can stop using CGM products, please complete a Continuous Glucose Monitoring Access Form: Update or Ceasing Access available at forms.

What do I do if I want to change device?

You should talk with your diabetes health professional and together you can decide what is a suitable product for you—or the child or the person you care for. This is because not all products are suitable for everyone.

To change to a different product (another continuous glucose monitoring device), you will need to submit a completed Continuous Glucose Monitoring Access Form: Update or Ceasing Access signed by an authorised diabetes health professional and available at forms.

Once your form has been received and processed, we will send you an email or letter outlining how to start accessing the nominated products.

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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