DIABETICS who have to test their blood frequently have been offered the latest monitoring technology by both Liberal and Labor, if elected.
In May Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pledged $54m for continuous glucose monitoring devices for all those under 21 with type 1 diabetes, benefitting about 4000 people – but Labor has pledged to spend $80 million to give the devices not only to everyone with type 1 diabetes under 21 but also those with the double whammy of type 1 diabetes and severe hypoglycaemia who are over 21. It’s estimated about 6000 people would benefit. It will also give them to pregnant women if needed.
The devices are much more accurate than fingerprick tests and give early warnings of highs and lows, for finer monitoring.