Diabetes is a serious and chronic condition, and is Australia’s fastest growing non-infectious disease.
For our bodies to function properly, we need to convert sugar, or glucose, from food into energy. A hormone called insulin is essential for the conversion of glucose into energy.
In people with diabetes, the body’s cells aren’t able to produce or respond to insulin as well as they should. Uncontrolled, this condition leads to chronically high blood glucose levels, causing several symptoms and potentially leading to diabetes and other serious complications.
Diabetics require constant medication in the form of tablets taken orally, or injections which contain insulin. Treatment depends on whether the patient has type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
NDSS
The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government administered by Diabetes Australia. Foote’s Pharmacies are a subagent for NDSS.
Through the administration of the NDSS, Diabetes Australia provides practical assistance, information and subsidised products to nearly 1,000,000 Australians diagnosed with diabetes.
To register with the NDSS, applicants must be diagnosed with diabetes, hold or be eligible to hold a Medicare card, and live in Australia. Visitors to Australia may be eligible through a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with their home country. Registration with NDSS is free.
People who are registered with the NDSS can access a range of subsidised Government approved products including:
- Subsidised testing strips for checking blood glucose levels
- Free insulin syringes and pen-needles (if you require insulin)
- Subsidised insulin pump consumables (IPCs)
- Information services on managing life with diabetes.