Published: 3 April, 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with all types of diabetes will benefit from signing up for the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). The NDSS helps people with diabetes to understand and manage their life with diabetes. It’s free and some of the benefits of signing up are: A MyNDSS phone app which shows the NDSS number to access subsidized diabetes products, such as glucose monitoring strips, wherever you are in Australia. Culturally safe programs like Diabetes Yarning in communities and online. The information reflects the real-life experiences from community. Access to a great range of services including diabetes programs, support, information and resources. Diabetes Australia Elder Advocate Grace Ward said it would help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when they are diagnosed with diabetes if they joined the NDSS. “We need to encourage and support each other in community to look after their diabetes.” Aunty Grace said if people travel from their communities where they are known by their health workers, they will need to know their NDSS number to access their diabetes products. “Ask your doctor or diabetes educator to sign you up online,” Aunty Grace said. “You’ll be helping yourself when you join the NDSS.” Find out more about how the NDSS can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with all types of diabetes here.
