Vic Alt-Wednesday Webinar Series - April - The place of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) in General Practice
On-demand recorded 16 Apr 2025
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) have revolutionized glucose management in type 1 diabetes, particularly in recognising hypo and hyperglycaemic trends. These patients (and card-carrying Veterans with Type 2 diabetes) are eligible for CGM subsidy through the NDSS. However, GPs are not eligible to initiate or order these subsidised devices even for our eligible patients. Currently, this must be done through a specialist or diabetes educator. Consequently, many of us may not be familiar with how these devices work.
More GPs are initiating insulin in type 2 diabetes, but currently these patients cannot access subsidised CGMs. Further, evidence is now even emerging for a possible role for CGM in non-insulin-using type 2 diabetes as well. Particularly as a motivational and educational tool.
While CGMs are available privately to patients, they have often been price-preclusive. Although now there are reduced price offers being made by device manufacturers.
In November last year, the RACGP made a submission to the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)(see first resource) arguing the importance of General Practitioners’ role in Diabetes management.
Dr Gary Deed, the Chair of the RACGP Special Interest Network, wrote that submission, and he is our guest at the upcoming Alt Wednesday to discuss the roles and hurdles for CGM use in general practice.
Learning outcomes
- Outline the benefits and limitations of CGM in General Practice.
- Identify patient populations who may benefit from CGM in General Practice.
Facilitator
Dr Sally Cockburn
Dr Sally Cockburn is a practicing GP and health educator. She graduated MBBS from Monash University in 1982 and recently completed her Masters of Health And Medical Law from Uni Melbourne.
Sally has also been a high-profile media presenter (Dr Feelgood) for over 30 years on radio, tv and in print. She has a strong commitment to Medical ±«ÓãÊÓƵ and has held various teaching positions. She is currently an adjunct Senior Lecturer in Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University.
She has a strong commitment to better health outcomes and social justice and behind the scenes has been involved in health policy and legislation reform. She has sat on some high profile not for profit boards
Sally has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including a radio industry award for best documentary , the Monash University Alumni Service Award and in 2010 was inducted into the Victorian Women’s honour roll for harnessing the media to improve health communications.
She is a sought after public speaker, MC and panel facilitator.
Speaker
Dr Gary Deed
Chair, RACGP Specific Interests Diabetes
Dr Gary Deed is a general practitioner based in Carindale Brisbane, with a passionate interest in promoting quality patient care of diabetes in general practice through education, development of resources including guidelines, policy development, research and strategic collaboration. He is the Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Diabetes and a member of the RACGP Quality Care committee, and involved in RACGP resource development in diabetes, education, and policy.