Back to BlogQuality
Australian Hospital Diabetes Care 2026 — Management, Technology & Prevention Guide
Complete guide to Australian hospital diabetes care — diabetes management protocols, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin pump therapy, NDSS, prevention programmes, and diabetes software.
1.5M Australians have diabetes. NDSS provides subsidised CGM and insulin pumps for Type 1. ATSI diabetes rates are 3x higher. This guide covers Australian diabetes care.
Diabetes Care Components
| Component | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c check | Glycated haemoglobin — 3-month average | Every 3-6 months |
| Blood glucose monitoring | Self-monitoring or CGM | Daily / continuous |
| Annual eye screening | Retinal photography for retinopathy | Annual |
| Annual foot check | Foot risk assessment | Annual |
| Annual kidney check | eGFR + urine albumin | Annual |
| BP check | Blood pressure at every visit | Every visit |
| Cholesterol | Lipid profile | Annual |
| Structured education | Diabetes self-management education | At diagnosis + ongoing |
Diabetes Technology
- CGM: Real-time glucose readings — Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3 (NDSS-subsidised for Type 1)
- Insulin pumps: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion — Medtronic 780G, Omnipod 5
- Hybrid closed-loop: Automated insulin delivery based on CGM readings
- Flash glucose monitoring: Scan sensor for glucose reading — FreeStyle Libre
- Diabetes apps: mySugr, Sugarmate, Adrine diabetes module
- Telehealth diabetes: Remote diabetes follow-up and education
Diabetes Prevention
- Screening: AUSDRISK tool — screen all adults over 40
- Lifestyle intervention: Diabetes prevention programme (NDPP)
- Pre-diabetes: HbA1c 42-47 mmol/mol — intensive lifestyle intervention
- Public awareness: Diabetes Australia campaigns
- School programmes: Healthy eating and exercise in schools
- ATSI programmes: Tackling Indigenous diabetes
- Food policy: Sugar tax debate, food labelling
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the diabetes burden in Australia?
- 1.5M Australians have diabetes (5-7% prevalence). Type 2: 85%, Type 1: 12%, gestational: 3%. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have 3x higher diabetes rates. Diabetes costs Australia $14.6B/year. Key complications: CVD (leading cause of death in diabetics), kidney disease, eye disease, amputation.
- What is NDSS?
- NDSS (National Diabetes Services Scheme) is the Australian government programme that provides subsidised diabetes products. NDSS covers: 1) Blood glucose testing strips, 2. Insulin pump consumables, 3. CGM and flash glucose monitors (fully subsidised for Type 1 and eligible patients), 4. Diabetes education. Over 1.5M Australians registered with NDSS.
- What diabetes technologies are available in Australia?
- Australian diabetes technologies: 1) CGM (Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3) — fully subsidised via NDSS for Type 1, 2. Insulin pumps (Medtronic 780G, Omnipod 5) — subsidised for eligible Type 1, 3. Hybrid closed-loop (artificial pancreas), 4. Flash glucose monitoring (FreeStyle Libre), 5. Telehealth diabetes follow-up, 6. Mobile diabetes apps and software.