Diabetes Tasmania is changing, but still here for all Tasmanians

With recent changes to the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), Diabetes Tasmania expects there will be some confusion in the community about the services Diabetes Tasmania now provides.

The local health charity is taking the opportunity this National Diabetes Week to reassure Tasmanians affected by diabetes that while some operations have changed, the organisation is still here for the community, and always will be – every week of the year.

With the provision of products, such as blood glucose test strips, insulin pump supplies and needles, now supplied through pharmacies Australia-wide, Diabetes Tasmania has refocused on expanding their state-wide services to assist all Tasmanians living with diabetes.

Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells said while the reallocation of NDSS funding has been a big adjustment, it has meant the organisation has been able to dedicate their resources to training and support-based roles within the community.

“Our number one goal is to support Tasmanians affected by diabetes and help them live well with their diabetes, through support and education,” Ms Wells said.

“While National Diabetes Week is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about all types of diabetes, we must remember this is just one week a year and for people living with diabetes, the disease is always there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“In Tasmania, there is currently over 27,000 people living with diabetes, with an estimated 10,000 individuals living with the disease but unaware, to these people we want to say we are here for you and have programs to help you manage your diabetes.

“We exist to help these people every day of the year and are excited to be expanding our scope of services and to reach more Tasmanians, and while we are no longer supplying NDSS products, we are constantly working hard to ensure quality support is provided to those in need.”

Expanded state-wide services include:

• DESMOND – a group education program for people living with type 2 diabetes
• Shop Well, Eat Well – helping to navigate the mysteries of the supermarket and make healthy food choices
• Living Well with Diabetes – forums where you can hear from specialist practitioners about how to live well with diabetes
• Rural diabetes and dietitian clinics
• The COACH Program – telephone based health coaching, available anytime and anywhere.
Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells