It is quite remarkable that one great Australian who passed away in 2016 did not hit the headlines, although there are thousands of people around the world who mourned his passing and revered and admired him.

It is also a time of year that we often reflect on what, as a species on this earth, we can do better.

In line with both of these considerations, it would be inspiring for the Wimmera Mail-Times to run a series of editorials on the great Australian Bill Mollison to help pass on his legacy to those young Australians who would otherwise very possibly miss out on his wise knowledge.

Should we perhaps heed his words ‘if you let the world roll on the way it’s rolling, you’re voting for death. I’m not voting for death’ and then be inspired to learn that ‘though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple’. 

Too much of today’s youth problems stems from the feeling of hopelessness of not being secure in oneself and also not being able to instigate change.

Both are addressed with Bill Mollison’s teachings.

Let us pass them on as quickly as possible.

ILSE ASCHENBRENNER

Dimboola

DIABETES Victoria urges all people living with type two diabetes who are not using insulin to consult with a member of their diabetes management team early in the new year – if they wish to continue to check their blood glucose at home.

In July 2016, the Australian government delisted blood glucose test strips from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

However, these strips are still available at a subsidised price via the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

From January on, people with non-insulin-treated type two diabetes will need a nominated health professional to confirm their eligibility for access to subsidised strips on the basis of clinical need.

This change affects more than 812,000 Australians, including more than 208,000 Victorians.

While the change has been confusing for many and has caused some anxiety, if you have a clinical need you will still be able to access subsidised strips.

People living with type two diabetes who are not using insulin were given an additional six months’ supply from July.

So, from early January, these people will need to have their clinical need for subsidised strips confirmed.

A blood glucose test strip six-month approval form must be signed by a doctor, credentialled diabetes educator or nurse practitioner and renewed every six months.

These forms can be accessed on the Diabetes Victoria or National Diabetes Services Scheme websites.

People with type one diabetes, type two diabetes using insulin, gestational diabetes and individuals registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme as having ‘other diabetes’ are not subject to these changes.

These people can continue to access subsidised strips through the National Diabetes Services Scheme as before.

The foundation director of the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes Professor Jane Speight has commented:

‘I hope this policy change will not send a message that non-insulin-treated type two diabetes is not as serious as insulin-treated type two or type one diabetes. It is important to remember that all forms of diabetes are serious and all need to be managed well to avoid long-term complications. So, I would urge people to speak with their health professionals if they wish to continue self-monitoring at home’.

CRAIG BENNETT

CEO, Diabetes Victoria