Mr RAMSEY (Grey—Opposition Whip) (13:42): As many would know, I am the co-chair of the ‘parliamentary enemies of diabetes’. I’m joined by my co-chair, the member for Moreton. Today I’m here to inform the House that I’ve just put on a constant glucose monitor—about two hours ago. Thirty minutes ago my blood sugar content was 4.2 millilitres per milligram. I’ve since had a ham, tomato and lettuce sandwich, and I’m back up to 4.8 and holding steady. But that isn’t to make fun of this. The point is that these devices, continuous glucose monitors, have changed the lives of diabetics with type 1 diabetes around Australia. At the moment there is lobbying going on for type 2 insulin-dependent diabetics to get the same access to the monitors. It’s something that this parliament should consider.
The point of me trying it is to give it some publicity and to try and understand what people with diabetes go through on a daily basis. Now, I don’t need to prick my finger all those times a day; I’ve just got to wear this fantastic little monitor on my sleeve. Congratulations to those who have developed the technology and to governments for delivering it to type 1 diabetics. It’s time now to sit down and talk about those type 2 insulin-dependent diabetics. I thank the member for Moreton so much for joining me for that.