Last Word

Photo: Auckland Marathon

Fundraise for Diabetes Youth

Team Diabetes is at it again – this time fundraising for the Live Brave Mana Ora Auckland programmes and camps. The team will take part in the ASB Auckland Marathon, on Sunday 31 October, 2021. This colourful, iconic running event is turning 30 years old and promises to be a a huge celebration. Whether you want to join Team Diabetes yourself or encourage others you know to do so, find out more at www.diabetes.org.nz/aklmarathon.

PHARMAC PART-SUBSIDIES FOR GLUTEN-FREE FOODS

In our Winter issue, we ran an article about autoimmune illnesses that people with type 1 diabetes may also be diagnosed with.

A reader responded with an enquiry about the part-subsidy offered to people with coeliac disease, which may enable them to buy subsidised gluten-free foods.

To receive this part-subsidy, you need to obtain a Special Authority Number from a GP, dietitian, or specialist, and to be eligible for that, you need to have been diagnosed with coeliac disease by biopsy.

However, because of the current regionally divided health system, the usefulness of the subsidy differs depending on where you live.

SOUTH ISLAND AND THE HUTT VALLEY

If you live in the South Island, or in the North Island’s Hutt Valley, the news is good. You may be eligible for a prescription through the excellent Hospital to Home (H2H) programme.

To find out more, and for application forms, go to www.crombie-price.co.nz/hospital-prescriptions.html.

NORTH ISLAND

For those living in North Island areas other than the Hutt Valley, the partsubsidy may be less useful. By the time you pay a prescription charge from your GP, plus a pharmacy dispensing charge, the subsidy itself may not be worth it. However, if you are interested, we suggest you talk with your pharmacist or healthcare professional to find out more.