Diabetes organisations have slammed the Government’s recent decision to limit access to blood glucose testing strips for people with type 2 diabetes.
Under the changes type 2 diabetes patients who are not using insulin will be limited to a six-month supply of test strips under the PBS.
Patients can have a further six-months’ supply if they change their medication or diabetes management plans. Prescribers will also have discretion to continue supply if a patient’s blood glucose levels change.
However Diabetes Australia and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association said in a statement it does not support the changes that are due to come into effect in July next year.
“We do not support this decision and we are talking to the Federal Government about how this will be implemented to ensure people with type 2 diabetes get the support they need to self-monitor their diabetes,” they said in separate statements posted on their websites.
Both organisations are also concerned about reports the price of metformin will rise under the 6th Community Pharmacy Agreement recently signed by the Federal Government and the Pharmacy Guild.