It is strongly recommended to discuss blood glucose meters with your diabetes educator prior to purchasing. Diabetes educators can advise you on the best meter/s to suit your needs and teach all aspects of blood glucose monitoring.

They will also be aware of discount options, company promotions and the availability of free meters. Alternatively meters can be purchased from NDSS outlets or local pharmacies. 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.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will supply a meter free of charge to gold card holders and to white card holders where diabetes is accepted as caused by their service.

Please note that meters have a lifetime warranty and your meter company will provide you with a free replacement meter should yours be faulty or out of date. Batteries and record books are usually provided by the meter company free of charge. To obtain these phone the company on their toll free number.

All meter companies provide a 24 hour toll free number to assist with meter problems or enquiries (number can be found on the back of the meter).

GPs and PNs please note this information has come from the Diabetes information resource for the Central Highlands Region which was launched by the Central Highlands Primary Care Partnership Diabetes Steering Group in July 2009.

Tags: diabetes