Diabetics eligible for free glasses, antibiotics and dental care

Diabetics holding the yellow form are, as of this month, entitled to benefits including free glasses, antibiotics and dental care

Those who suffer from Type 1 diabetes have been eligible to receive daily testing sticks to monitor their blood glucose level since last November
Those who suffer from Type 1 diabetes have been eligible to receive daily testing sticks to monitor their blood glucose level since last November

The health ministry has announced that as of this month, diabetics holding the yellow form, indicating a chronic condition, shall be entitled to the same benefits as those holding the pink form, who are entitled to a limited number of medical products.

These benefits include free antibiotics and spectacles, as well as free dental care, amongst other things, according to a statement by the ministry.

Health minister Chris Fearne said that this measure was announced in budget 2017, and builds on the National Strategy for Diabetes, which was published at the end of 2015.

Health minister Chris Fearne said that this measure was announced in budget 2017
Health minister Chris Fearne said that this measure was announced in budget 2017

Furthermore, those who suffer from Type 1 diabetes have been eligible to receive daily testing sticks to monitor their blood glucose level since last November. According to the ministry, this measure will be extended to those who suffer from Type 2 diabetes whose condition requires them to take insulin.

New types of insulin will also be introduced, the ministry added.