General Chat

Yesterday, I went to purchase some more Blood Glucose test strips for my machine.

The shelf price was $69.00. However, as I am registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme, the subsidised price is $15.50.

At the chemists I was asked if I had a pension card (which I received in March)....and the price of the strips was $1.20

I nearly collapsed with shock :-0

Another little bonus for being old eh, Allan :-D

Yep.....but of course there is always the downside as well! :-D

I know, I know, but ya gotta try and think positive when you reach a certain age, Allan :-D

Ok, in that case I'm positive that it was a good saving ;-) :-D

Having no previous experience of Blood Glucose Testing, my daughter was diagnosed with Type1 earlier this year.
Although she gets the machine and test strips free on the NHS, due to cost, the GP will only allow 2 x boxes of 50 strips per prescription.
She is still in the "honeymoon period" ( pancreas kicks in every so often) and needs to test her blood sugar level at least 6 times a day at the moment.

We are never away from the chemist, but I can't imagine how it must be for those people overseas who have no health insurance and cannot afford to buy these..

GlasgowLass, the National Diabetes Service Scheme is a joint initiative of the Federal and State Governments in Australia and is administered by Diabetes Australia. It offers products at much reduced prices

I'm fortunate that I have type 2 diabetes (diagnosed in 1999) and have fairly good control of it so I only need to test two or three times a week.

I do sympathise with those like your daughter who have type 1 and have to do multiple tests each day

glasgow lass, my daughter is also type 1 diagnosed feb last year. our gp surgery wil only give 2x50 and she tests 4/5 times a day. i too feel im never off the tel reordering.
Thank goodness we dont have to payfor them or the machine, needles and lancets etc. it would cost a fortune! How old is your daughter? mine is nearly 16
Florence in the hebrides

Florence, In Australia we do not need to have a prescription, or obtain supplies from a GP for things like Glucose monitors, test strips syringes etc. but there are limits on how many products can be purchased.

For test strips, it is 900 in any 180 day period. If you need more you have to apply to Diabetes Australia for an exemption.

When purchasing via the NDSS you have to fill in a form with your NDSS number which then goes onto a computer so that your usage of products can be monitored.

The above information does not apply to any drugs which can only be supplied on prescription