Live better with diabetes

Every day someone in the DVA community is diagnosed with diabetes and there are many more within our community that remain undiagnosed. In fact it is estimated that about half a million Australians have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes and more than two million people are at risk of developing diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the biggest challenges confronting the Australian health system today. It is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australia and contributes to more than 4,400 amputations every year. People living with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease, preventable blindness, foot disease and have a limb amputated as a complication of their diabetes.

Living with diabetes can be challenging and health complications can be stressful, not only for the diabetic but also family, friends and carers. This is why DVA has been exploring ways to help its DVA service recipients diagnosed with diabetes to live full and active lives, free from health complications.

As a result, DVA has joined diabetes organisations across Australia to fund memberships for eligible DVA recipients living with diabetes. This membership gives them access to local support, education and all the membership benefits of their state or territory diabetes organisation, with the addition of a DVA booklet.

Through this initiative DVA pays the person’s membership fees to their local diabetes organisation enabling them to have the support and information they need to self-manage their overall health and wellbeing. Having support close to where a client lives provides greater opportunities for the person living with diabetes, their families and carers to take advantage of the local diabetes organisation’s support groups, expos and education sessions on offer.

As a DVA member they also enjoy the latest research, a regular magazine with heaps of information, recipes and personal stories. When a DVA service recipient first becomes a member they are sent a DVA booklet with helpful information about living with diabetes, how to get regular medical supplies and a reminder of the range of services DVA provides to support their understanding and ability to self-manage their diabetes. As a person living with diabetes we encourage you to contact either DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or your state or territory diabetes organisation to discuss your eligibility to this new initiative but be sure to tell them you are a DVA Gold or White Card holder. For more information, visit Diabetes support services.

People living with diabetes may have a need for equipment to help them monitor and manage their overall health. DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) provides equipment to support people with a clinical need so they can stay independent and active. RAP provides glucose monitoring equipment and access to medical services and products to help clients manage their diabetes and prevent health complications.

The RAP program also has a range of aids and assisted technologies that may help. So, have a chat with your GP or healthcare professional and they can determine if you have a clinical need for a product or service provided under RAP.

For more information and to find out if you are eligible, visit the RAP program or call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).