TONGALA’s father, Tom Pyke, is one of thousands of Australians living with diabetes who forego a subsidy that gives them free access to modern glucose monitoring technology.
The National Diabetes Services Scheme reimburses less than half of Australians living with type 1 diabetes for flash glucose monitoring.
It is available to people with type 1 diabetes, actively trying to have a baby, pregnant or breastfeeding women, discount card holders, or under the age of 21.
Since he is not eligible, the technology costs Mr. Pyke $ 2,400 a year to access.
“If you prick your finger, you won’t have a good view of your glucose levels,” he said.
“I have noticed inconsistencies in my mood and energy that have affected my ability to function on a day-to-day basis.”
The 26-year-old manages a caravan park and juggles with sports, full-time work and the upbringing of his four children. He has been using flash glucose monitoring technology to control his diabetes for 18 months.
“It gives you quick results and it also gives my partner a lot more confidence because not only can she see the symptoms, but also when I’m having a tough day she can see that there is a problem and can react a lot faster right away to these symptoms.
“All in all, it was fantastic.”
Tom Pyke has been using flash glucose monitoring technology for 18 months which has cost him thousands. Photo: Steve Huntley.
Diabetes requires regular blood glucose tests, traditionally done by pricking the finger to draw blood, but new technologies are making it possible for people to check their readings by holding a smartphone or reader over a small sensor on the back of their arm.
The director of clinical diabetes at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Associate Professor Neale Cohen, regularly sees patients with type 1 diabetes who do not have access to the subsidy system.
“They are frustrated that it is expensive and they have no insurance at all and they have to pay for it out of their own pocket,” he said.
“Patients really struggle with the affordability of this technology, so support would be greatly appreciated.”
He said even a co-payment system where patients would pay half the price would make it more accessible.
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