������ extends its thoughts to the individuals, families, and communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Narelle in Far North Queensland. 

We recognise that natural disasters like cyclones can make it harder for people living with diabetes to access essential supplies and manage their health. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is here to help ensure you can continue to access the support and products you need during this time. 

Accessing diabetes supplies 

If you need NDSS products, you can collect them from any NDSS Access Point, which is usually a local pharmacy. If you don’t have your NDSS card with you, you can still access your products using your Medicare card. 

We understand that your regular pharmacy may be closed or difficult to reach. You can search for an alternative pharmacy using the . If you’re unsure if a pharmacy is open, it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting. 

Support is available 

If you need assistance accessing diabetes products, the NDSS Helpline is here to support you. 

• NDSS Helpline 1800 637 700 Operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (AEST) 
• Email: info@ndss.com.au 

In a life-threatening emergency, please call Triple Zero (000). 

������ will continue to work closely with emergency services and local support organisations to ensure people with diabetes have access to the care and supplies they need throughout the recovery. 

������ extends its thoughts to the individuals, families, and communities affected by the flooding across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

We recognise that natural disasters like floods can make it harder for people living with diabetes to access essential supplies and manage their health. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is here to help ensure you can continue to access the support and products you need during this time.

Accessing diabetes supplies

If you need NDSS products, you can collect them from any NDSS Access Point, which is usually a local pharmacy. If you don’t have your NDSS card with you, you can still access your products using your Medicare card.

We understand that your regular pharmacy may be closed or difficult to reach. You can search for an alternative pharmacy using the . If you’re unsure if a pharmacy is open, it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting.

Support is available

If you need assistance accessing diabetes products, the NDSS Helpline is here to support you.

NDSS Helpline: 1800 637 700
Operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (AEST)
Email: info@ndss.com.au

In a life-threatening emergency, please call Triple Zero (000).

������ will continue to work closely with emergency services and local support organisations to ensure people with diabetes have access to the care and supplies they need throughout the recovery.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended Wegovy (semaglutide) be subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity.  

������’s Group CEO Justine Cain has welcomed the recommendation and comments from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler indicating the government would work with manufacturer Novo Nordisk to list the medication, making it more affordable for Australians.  

“Supporting individuals who want to lose weight is an important part of type 2 diabetes prevention, and ensuring the affordability of medicines that help people achieve that goal is critical.  

“There are many factors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes including genetics or family history, but in 58% of cases it can be prevented or delayed. Supporting Australians with affordable access to weight loss medicines is one of the tools that can help with this,” Ms Cain said. 

The published��recommendation��states��that the subsidy should be provided��“for adults with established cardiovascular disease (eCVD) with obesity. Patients must have already experienced a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack, stroke, or have symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.”��

The Diabetes Alliance*, led by ������, made a joint submission to PBAC’s November 2025 meeting regarding the importance of access to GLP-1 RA medicines (such as semaglutide) for the treatment of obesity, due to the increased risk of chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  

“It’s excellent to see the advice of the sector being positively received,” Ms Cain said. 

“This separate recommendation about Wegovy is a helpful step in the management of obesity and ongoing efforts to reduce the rates of chronic conditions in Australia.” 

Over 1.3 million Australians are living with type 2 diabetes and another 2 million are at risk of developing the chronic condition.  

* The Diabetes Alliance includes ������, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australian Diabetes Society, Breakthrough T1D, the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society, and the Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes. 

Faster access to more health data on My Health Record will benefit Australians living with diabetes.  

The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) has announced that most pathology and diagnostic imaging reports will now be available for consumers to view as soon as they are uploaded on My Health Record.

The change is part of a series of measures by the Federal Government designed to speed up access to health records and create a more connected health system.

The Australian Digital Health Agency says the changes will enable consumers to take a more active role in their care. For those managing chronic conditions, having immediate access to test results provides reassurance, supports self-management, and reduces unnecessary follow-up appointments.

������ Group CEO Justine Cain said access to more information means better health outcomes for Australians living with diabetes.

“Providing individuals with faster access to their pathology reports is another important step towards a more integrated healthcare system,” Ms Cain said.

“People living with chronic conditions like diabetes are often supported by multiple health professionals. This change will support the timely sharing of information within those groups, improving communication and overall care.

“It’s so important for pathology reports to be discussed with a health professional so that an individual gets the whole picture of what the results are showing. We hope that this change will help to facilitate those discussions,” she said.

The seven day waiting period for anatomical pathology, cytopathology and genetic testing has also been reduced to just five days.

From February 2026 x-ray reports for limbs will be available for immediate download and CT scans, mammograms, ultrasounds, MRI and PET scans will be uploaded after five days instead of seven.

For more information about My Health Record changes visit:

What is My Health Record?

My Health Record is a safe and secure place to keep your key health information, available to you and your healthcare providers anytime, including in an emergency. You can manage important information, control who has access to it, and see what has been accessed. You can access your record through the or my health app.

About ������

������ is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

Australians living with diabetes will save money from a further reduction in the cost of prescription medicines, with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) maximum co-payment for general patients set to fall to $25 from January 1 next year.

This reduction will apply to a wide range of PBS-listed medicines, including empagliflozin (Jardiance, Glyxambi and Jardiamet) and dapagliflozin (Forxiga, Qtern and Xigduo XR), which are among the most prescribed treatments for people living with type 2 diabetes. The lower co-payment will deliver significant financial relief for people managing diabetes, especially those who need multiple medicines on a regular basis.

According to the Federal Government, the last time Australians paid no more than $25 for a PBS prescription was in 2004. This change marks a return to that price point and follows a series of major reforms designed to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

The reduction represents a more than 20 percent cut from the current general patient co-payment of $30. The government says it is expected to save Australians more than $200 million each year.

Pensioners and concession card holders will continue to benefit from the current co-payment freeze, with the maximum charge for PBS medicines held at $7.70 until 2030.

������ has welcomed confirmation that the supply of Ozempic (semaglutide) in Australia has stabilised, with prescribing and supply restrictions now lifted. 

Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has advised the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that national stocks have improved to the point where doctors can now prescribe Ozempic for new patients, and treatment can continue as normal for existing patients. This follows a prolonged global shortage that began in 2022 due to an unexpected increase in demand. 

Ozempic is subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes when specific clinical criteria are met. It is not subsidised for weight loss or other off-label uses. A separate brand, Wegovy, also contains semaglutide but is approved only for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in people without diabetes. 

The TGA has also advised that a new 3 mL pen is replacing the previous 1.5 mL version of the Ozempic 0.25 mg/0.5 mg pre-filled pen. Further information is available through the TGA and Novo Nordisk. 

While supply is improving, it may take time for some local pharmacies to restock. If Ozempic is unavailable, pharmacists are encouraged to contact their wholesalers or Novo Nordisk for delivery updates. Patients can also speak with their pharmacist about when stock will arrive. 

������ will continue to monitor the supply of semaglutide medicines and support Australians living with type 2 diabetes to access their treatment. Patients are encouraged to speak with their doctor or pharmacist if they have questions about their medication. 

People living with diabetes who are taking some diabetes and weight management medicines are being advised to take extra care when preparing for surgery or procedures requiring anaesthesia or deep sedation. 

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued an alert today regarding potential risks associated with a group of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.  

These medicines, which include commonly used treatments such as Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are used to help manage type 2 diabetes and chronic weight issues. 

The medicines work in part by slowing down how quickly food leaves the stomach. While this effect can help regulate blood glucose and support weight loss, it may also mean that food remains in the stomach for longer.  

During surgery or other procedures that involve general anaesthesia or deep sedation, this slower digestion can increase the risk of regurgitation and inhalation of stomach contents.  

To address this, the TGA has required updated safety information in official documentation for all affected medicines. The new warnings advise patients to inform all their health professionals, especially surgeons and anaesthetists, if they are taking these medications. This allows medical teams to adjust fasting times or consider other precautions to reduce potential risks. 

������ encourages people using these medicines to discuss any upcoming procedures with their healthcare team. This ensures safe and effective planning. 

The update applies to the following medicines currently approved in Australia: 

• For diabetes management: Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Victoza (liraglutide)��

• For weight management: Saxenda (liraglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide)��

• For weight management and diabetes: Mounjaro��

For more detailed information, including updates intended for healthcare professionals, please visit the . 

By Carolien Koreneff, Credentialled Diabetes Educator, Registered Nurse

Most people will have a hospital admission at some point in their lives. When you have diabetes the risk of needing a hospital admission increases, as you are at increased risk of complications from diabetes. At any time, about 25% of people admitted to hospital in Australia also have diabetes.

The most common procedures in hospital, that can impact your blood glucose levels, are endoscopies. Endoscopies are a type of investigation that allows a doctor to take a look at you on the inside, literally.

Preparing for an endoscopy

Doctors can take a look at your digestive tract on a colour TV monitor, by using an endoscope; a special camera, attached to a flexible tube with a light on it. The camera can be inserted through your mouth and throat into the oesophagus and stomach; this is called a gastroscopy. Or a similar camera can be inserted through the rectum, up through the colon and into the small intestines; this is called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

These procedures are not particularly comfortable, but you usually will not experience any discomfort, as you will be asleep for the most part. Although not officially considered an operation, you will be given a sedative, or anaesthetic. This means that you have to fast before the procedure and, as a result, your diabetes medications may need adjustment.

Why would you need an endoscopy?

Endoscopies are a way for the doctor to determine what the cause may be for stomach or abdominal pain, to check if you have any ulcers, to find out if there is any bleeding or if you have any tumours. During the colonoscopy the doctor may take a small sample, a biopsy, which can be checked in the laboratory. They can also remove polyps from the bowels (and thereby prevent them from turning into cancer), and they can stop small bleeds.

Overall endoscopies are safe. However, in some cases people may get a reaction to the anaesthetic, and others may have some bleeding or an infection could develop afterwards. It is important to talk to the doctor before the procedure about the risks and what can be done to prevent problems or deal with any issues that arise.

Preparation

Gastroscopy

If you are having a gastroscopy then usually the only preparation required is to fast before the procedure. If the gastroscopy takes place in the morning, you are generally not allowed to eat or drink anything from around 10pm the night before. If the gastroscopy is planned for the afternoon you may be allowed to have a light breakfast early in the morning, but you will have to fast from then on, until you are fully awake from the anaesthetic.

Colonoscopy

If you are having a colonoscopy you will also have to fast, but in addition you will need to undergo a bowel cleanse. This means that two days before the procedure you are only allowed to have soft foods. Grainy products such as wholegrain breads, pasta and brown rice, foods high in fibre, such as a lot of vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts have to be avoided. These are the things your doctor or educator usually recommend you eat to keep your blood glucose levels more stable. This means that a soft diet is generally higher in glycaemic index, which may mean result in higher blood glucose levels.

The day before the procedure you are only allowed to have clear fluids such as lemonade, apple juice, jelly, tea or coffee without milk, water (including sparkling water) and clear soups or broth. Mostly you would have the sugar-free version of these items, like sugar-free jelly, Sprite Zero or Diet 7-Up. But there is a risk of developing hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level) because you are not having any “real” food the day before a colonoscopy. If your blood glucose level drops the sugary version or these products will help to remedy the hypo. Your doctor will give you a list of the things you can and can’t have, as well as instructions on to what to do with your medications, or in case of a hypo.

The day before the procedure, usually sometime in the afternoon, you will have to drink a special preparation to clean your bowels. This may be a slightly uncomfortable step (it doesn’t taste great and will make you go to the toilet a lot), but it is a very important one. Your bowels need to be clean so the doctor can see things more clearly. Your doctor will give you instructions as to how, why and when to start the preparation but, once you do, you will want to be near a bathroom!

Medications

Insulin

If you are having a gastroscopy or a colonoscopy, insulin doses have to be reduced. Rapid-acting insulins (Novorapid, Humalog, Apidra or Fiasp) may need to be stopped and in some cases the pre-mixed insulins (Mixtard, Novomix, Humalog Mix25, Humalog Mix50, Ryzodeg) will need to be reduced significantly. Even longer-acting insulins like Optisulin, Toujeo or Levemir may need to be reduced. If you were to take your usual insulin doses on your preparation day you would be at serious risk of a bad hypo.

Metformin

Even some tablet medications for diabetes may need to be reduced or temporarily stopped when preparing for, or undergoing, an endoscopy. For example, many doctors prefer you not to have Metformin (Diabex, Diaformin, Formet) for 24-48 hours before the procedure, as these medications could, although rarely, cause lactic acidosis – a build-up of lactic acid in your muscles.

Sulphonyureas

Sulphonyureas, medications that stimulate your pancreas to make more insulin, can also increase the risk of hypos. The most common sulphonylurea is gliclazide (also known as Diamicron or Glyade), another is glimepiride (Amaryl), and there is also glibenclamide (Daonil, although this is not used all that often anymore).

SGLT-2 inhibitors

SGLT-2 inhibitors (empagliflozin or dapagliflozin, brand names: Jardiance, Forxiga or combination treatments Xigduo or Jardiamet) lower your blood glucose level by letting some of the glucose pass through your kidneys into the bladder. People who take this type of medications are at a slightly higher risk of dehydration and there is a small risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), this is a medical emergency. In DKA increased levels of acid in the blood can cause organs such as the kidneys and the liver to fail when certain types of anaesthetic are given, so these medications usually have to be stopped for a day or two prior to the procedure.

GLP-1 antagonists and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists

Medications such as Ozempic and Trulicity are GLP-1 antagonists. GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists are a combination medication that include GLP-1, as described above, and another component; GIP. An example of this is Mounjaro.

These types of medication cause food to stay in your stomach for longer, giving your pancreas more time to make the insulin needed and reduce hunger. As these medications cause delayed gastric emptying, they can potentially increase the risk of aspiration if you are being sedated. Aspiration can happen when food, liquid, saliva, or other substances accidentally enter the airway (windpipe) instead of the oesophagus (food pipe), potentially reaching the lungs and increasing the risk of pneumonia. Your doctor may recommend additional preparation before a gastroscopy, such as a day or two of clear fluids, or may recommend that you stop the GLP-1 containing medication a few weeks before the procedure. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued an alert on 3 June 2025 regarding potential risks associated with this group of medicines.  

Delayed gastric emptying can also impact the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopies. Hence, GLP-1 containing medications may need to be ceased a few weeks before a colonoscopy, or you may need additional preparation to make sure that your bowels are clean enough.

However, stopping the medication may negatively affect your glucose levels and/or may delay urgent surgery. High glucose levels can increase your length of stay and increase the risk of infection and other complications. It is therefore crucial to always discuss all medications you take, including any non-prescription or over-the-counter medications, with all doctors and specialists.

Personalised advice

Your doctor or credentialled diabetes educator will give you personalised advice as to what you should do with your medicines and if, or how much, insulin is needed. It is important to follow medical advice and not make treatment decisions without discussing this with your doctor first.

After the procedure

The procedure usually takes only 20-30 minutes, and you will be kept in the recovery ward under observation for a few hours or until you are awake and able to eat and drink normally. You will resume your normal diabetes treatment from this time.

If your doctor does not give you any advice on when to restart your medications, make sure you ask.

Tips

• Bring your diabetes medication with you to take after the procedure
• Tell the medical staff you have diabetes as soon as you arrive
• Do not take a double dose of medicines you’ve missed
• Do not panic if your blood glucose levels are a little higher after the procedure, they should start to come down within a few hours or over in the following day or two
• If you start to feel unwell once you get home, call your GP or contact your local hospital but don’t stop taking your usual medication

Plan

Write down your medication plan for the two days before the procedure, for the procedure day, and the day after your procedure. Sedation can affect your thinking, so it may be helpful to have something in writing to refer to.

������ extends its thoughts to the individuals, families and communities affected by the flooding across New South Wales. 

We recognise that natural disasters like floods can make it harder for people living with diabetes to access essential supplies and manage their health. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is here to help ensure you can continue to access the support and products you need during this time.��

Accessing diabetes supplies 

If you need NDSS products, you can collect them from any NDSS Access Point, which is usually a local pharmacy. If you don’t have your NDSS card with you, you can still access your products using your Medicare card. 

We understand that your regular pharmacy may be closed or difficult to reach. You can search for an alternative pharmacy using the . If you’re unsure if a pharmacy is open, it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting. 

Support is available 

If you need assistance or have questions about accessing diabetes products, the NDSS Helpline is here to support you. 

NDSS Helpline: 1800 637 700��
Operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (AEST)��
Email: info@ndss.com.au��

In a life-threatening emergency, please call Triple Zero (000). 

������ will continue to work closely with emergency services and local support organisations to ensure people with diabetes have access to the care and supplies they need throughout the recovery. 

In a major win for Australia’s diabetes community, the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region (IDF WPR) Congress 2026 will be held in Melbourne, led by Australia’s leading diabetes organisations.

The Congress is the region’s most significant diabetes event and will be held in conjunction with the Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC). The events will be co-hosted by ������, Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association.

The event is expected to attract more than 2,500 global leaders in diabetes care, research, education and advocacy to the over four days from August 18-21. Delegates will include clinicians, researchers, policy experts, educators and people living with diabetes from across the Western Pacific, the IDF’s largest and most affected region.

With 215 million adults in the Western Pacific now living with diabetes, which is the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia, the Congress will serve as a critical platform for accelerating action, shaping policy and forging new collaborations to improve outcomes for people living with or at risk of diabetes.

“This Congress could not come at a more urgent time for Australians living with diabetes,” said ������ Group CEO Justine Cain.

“Globally, one person is diagnosed with diabetes every 3 seconds. In Australia, more than 300 people are diagnosed every day.

“The impact of this costly condition is being felt across the nation. Hosting this Congress sends a clear message: diabetes is a national and global health emergency, and we are committed to working with the world’s best minds to deliver impact and innovation.”

“This congress is a chance to hear and learn from world-leading researchers, clinicians and health professionals. It will elevate the voices of people living with diabetes and shape policies that will save lives and reduce the burden of diabetes on our health system,” Ms Cain said.

Diabetes costs the Australian health system around $9.1 billion each year. Experts warn that without coordinated action the economic and social toll will continue to escalate.

Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos, CEO of the , said the Western Pacific region is at the epicentre of the global diabetes crisis.

“This Congress is an opportunity to showcase the latest research and evidence-based innovations in prevention, treatment and management. From cutting-edge therapeutics to integrated models of care, the program will support practical outcomes for health systems and people living with diabetes.”

“Australian researchers are already leading the way in diabetes technology and clinical practice. The Congress will foster the critical exchange of knowledge across borders and disciplines.”

CEO Susan Davidson said credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs) and other health professionals from around the region would gather in Melbourne for the Congress which is an important professional learning opportunity.

“There is an urgent need in Australia and the Western Pacific region for better access to CDE services and hosting this conference in Melbourne will enable health professionals in the region to learn about the latest and most significant developments in diabetes management and care, as well as develop their professional networks and knowledge-share with their regional colleagues.”   

“Aligning the IDF Congress with ADC will continue to ensure CDEs and other health professionals have access to the most up to date advice for people living with diabetes,” Ms Davidson said.

The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) joined in the successful bid for the IDF WPR Congress, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.