The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) delivers subsidised products, free information and support services to people with diabetes across Australia.
In April 2017, the Federal Government decided to fully subsidise continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for four years for people aged under 21 with Type 1 Diabetes. This scheme is administered by Diabetes Australia.
If your child/adolescent has been approved to use CGM but decides they do not want to use it, it is important to complete a NDSS change/termination form, which needs to be returned to your clinic team. This form should also be completed if your child/adolescent previously used CGM but does not wish to continue. Alternatively, it may be used to change from one device to another. A new form can always be completed if your child/adolescent decides they would like to use CGM again in the future.
It is important to consider the amount of funding available in this scheme despite the availability of ‘free’ CGM kits and sensors for this age group. This means there is a limited amount of funding allocated to each child per year.
If you experience faulty sensors or transmitters, or they do not last the full period, it is important that you contact the product manufacturer rather than order new ones through NDSS. This is a failure of the device and the company should replace it. They should also be aware that these problems are occurring. If you continue to order more supplies when they do not last the expected timeframe, your funding will be exhausted and you will not be able to access any more supplies that year under the NDSS scheme.
Transmitter lifespan varies and funding will not allow for more than what is required for a 12 month period (see table below).
Each glucose sensor can be worn for about one week, depending on the product manufacturer (see table below). Glucose sensors have variable expiration dates from the time of manufacture. The expiration date is on the outside of the glucose sensor box and on each individual glucose sensor package. Please keep this in mind when ordering stock so as to avoid wastage.
|
Product type |
NDSS Product code |
Product name |
Lifespan |
|
Transmitter |
900 |
Dexcom G4 PLATINUM Transmitter |
6 months |
|
Transmitter |
905 |
Dexcom G5 Mobile Transmitter |
3 months |
|
Transmitter |
915 |
Guardian 2 Link Transmitter |
12 months |
|
Transmitter |
920 |
Minilink Transmitter |
12 months |
|
Transmitter |
925 |
Guardian Connect Transmitter |
12 months |
|
Sensor |
910 |
Dexcom G4/G5 PLATINUM Sensor |
7 days |
|
Sensor |
930 |
Medtronic Enlite Sensor |
6 days |
**Please note the Guardian 2 Link, Guardian Connect & Minilink Transmitter have a 12-month warranty, they do not stop working once ‘activated’ at exactly 12 months.**
**The Dexcom G5 transmitter may last up to 100 days, and will notify you how long until the transmitter life ends.**
Contact for troubleshooting/technical issues with sensors
- AMSL Diabetes Dexcom 24-hr support line: 1300 851 056
- Medtronic 24-hr support line: 1800 777 808
Further funding for the scheme will be determined on the outcomes of this trial. Perth Children’s Hospital is keen to help you get the most out of your CGM usage and is currently developing Advanced CGM workshops. If you need any assistance in the meantime, please discuss with your clinical team.