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People living with diabetes who need to check their blood glucose can buy subsidised strips through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) once registered. That includes everyone using insulin, and people living with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin but have been advised by a health professional to check.

You can get an initial six-month supply with the NDSS Six Month Access form, signed by your health professional. At six months, check with them whether you still need to monitor. The NDSS currently says you do not need to apply for an extension after the first six months.

Most NDSS products carry a small co-payment, and it is lower if you hold a concession card or are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Strips that are not on the NDSS are bought at full price, which adds up over a year. You may also be eligible for a free meter.

Blood ketone strips for combination meters are not on the NDSS strip order form, so expect to pay full price. The NDSS does list urine ketone strips. Ask our pharmacists about current options before you buy.

The international accuracy standard for home meters is ISO 15197:2013. Under it, 95% of results must be within 0.83 mmol/L of the laboratory value when glucose is below 5.55 mmol/L, and within 15% at or above it. Strips that are out of date or stored too hot or cold can read wrongly.

Wash and dry your hands, check the strip is in date and made for your meter, then check again. If you feel unwell or have hypo symptoms, follow your hypo plan rather than waiting for a second number.