Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes?
Getting Started in Kerang & District

Blood Glucose
Monitoring

The following is a summary of some of the things that will help you start blood glucose monitoring.

1. Registering for the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)

The NDSS is a Government subsidized scheme which enables you to purchase diabetes supplies at a discount price these include:
a. Blood Glucose Strips for your Meter
b. Insulin Pen Needles (FREE)
c. Insulin Syringes (FREE)
d. Ketone Testing Strips
e. Urine Testing Strips
       

Note: Lancets, for finger pricking, are not available on the NDSS.
To access the NDSS you will need to complete a Yellow Registration Form to Northern District Community Health Service or you can mail it to:

Diabetes Australia—NDSS, GPO Box 9824, Melbourne 3000. (Mailing will take you longer to register than if you go directly to Northern District Community Health Service).

The form must be fully completed with personal details including diagnosis of diabetes and signed by your Doctor or Credentialed Diabetes Educator.
Northern District Community Health Service Staff will assist you with ordering your Diabetes Supplies but for them to process your order online you will need to show them your Medicare Card and your NDSS Card (when available). Further concessions apply if you have a Pension Card, Veteran’s Affair Card, Health Care Card or if you have reached the Safety Net.
A Blue Order Form (available from Northern District Community Health) will be required at some outlets and for mail ordering.

2. Where to Access the NDSS.

You can register for NDSS and purchase your
diabetes supplies from the following location.
Note: There is no fee to register for the NDSS.
Northern District Community Health Service
Diabetes Educator: Angela Roney
98 Nolan Street, Kerang Vic 3579
Ph: (03) 5451 0200

3. Blood Glucose Meter

Blood Glucose Meters are available for purchase from Northern District Community Health Service or your local Pharmacist.
If you have Private Health Insurance with Ancillary Cover you may be able to claim a rebate. A letter from your Doctor stating that you require a blood glucose meter for monitoring your diabetes is required when making a claim.

Veteran’s Affairs will supply a meter free of charge to Gold Card Holders. Your Diabetes Educator or Doctor can arrange the authority. Meters have a Lifetime Warranty once you have registered your purchase with the appropriate company. Check your warranty details.

4. Sharps

Sharps containers for disposal of your used lancets and needles are available from Northern District Community Health Service at cost price. Full containers can be returned to Northern District Community Health Service for disposal.

5. Blood Testing Strips for Glucose Meter

These can be purchased at Northern District Community Health Service. Blood Testing Strips can also be obtained with a prescription from your Doctor or over the counter from a Pharmacy (Note: Check prices before purchasing).

6. Lancet devices and Lancets (needles to obtain blood droplet from fingers for testing glucose level)

These are available from Northern District Community Health Service and most Pharmacies but are not covered on the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

7. Diary for Recording Glucose Levels

These are available from Northern District Community Health/Pharmacies or your Diabetes Educator at Kerang District Health

Monica Harrop 5450 9200 KDH
Angela Roney 5451 0200 NDCH

Long Term Diabetes Care

• Establish a plan with your GP

Regular Checks include -

• At least 2 yearly Eye Specialist visit
• At least yearly Podiatry foot checks
• Yearly Dietician visits
• Yearly Diabetes Educator visits
• Endocrinologist visit if referred by GP
• At least yearly Dentist visit

Recommended

1. See your Doctor and Diabetes Educator regularly.
2. Attend ‘Diabetes, the Basics’ Education through Northern District Community Health Service
3. Follow a healthy eating plan (Low in fat, particularly saturated fat, high in fibre and a suitable carbohydrate intake) and have your diet reviewed by an accredited practicing Dietician.

Managing Your Diabetes

• At least 30 minutes walking each day. (Discuss exercise requirements with your Doctor prior to commencing exercise program)
• Healthy Lifestyle - Aim for a healthy lifestyle through healthy eating, controlling your weight, taking regular physical activity and not smoking.
• Heart Disease—Have your doctor check your weight, waist measurement and blood pressure four times a year and your cholesterol annually.
• Long Term Blood Glucose Control (HbA1c) Have your doctor check your long term blood glucose control every 6—12 months.
• Feet—Check your feet for abnormalities every day and have them checked every 12 months by a podiatrist.
• Kidneys—Have your urine tested for protein by your doctor.
• Eyes—Have your eyes checked every 1-2 years by trained personnel.
• Diabetes Education—Ask your doctor or pharmacist about diabetes and education services in your area. Seek advice if you are unsure.