The NDIS does not fund diabetes treatment itself — that sits with Medicare and the PBS. What it can fund is the disability-related support that becomes necessary when diabetes leads to, or exists alongside, a permanent and significant impairment.
This guide explains what is covered, who qualifies, and how to access support through Homage.
Can People with Diabetes Get NDIS?
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Yes — but with an important caveat. The NDIS funds disability supports, not health conditions. Diabetes alone does not make you eligible. Eligibility opens when diabetes has caused a permanent and significant disability, such as:
- Limb amputation due to peripheral artery disease or neuropathy
- Permanent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy
- Cognitive impairment from repeated severe hypoglycaemic episodes
- Type 1 Diabetes in children who cannot safely self-manage insulin and BGL monitoring
Type 1 Diabetes is also formally listed as a recognised disability under the DSS Guide to Recognised Disabilities. For NDIS eligibility, you must be under 65, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and require ongoing support for daily activities due to a permanent impairment.
What Diabetes Supports Does the NDIS Fund?
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From 1 October 2019, the NDIS included diabetes management as a disability-related health support. Funding is available only where supports relate directly to your disability and meet the ‘reasonable and necessary’ test.
Support workers
A qualified NDIS support worker can assist with BGL testing, insulin administration (when trained and directed by a clinical team), meal preparation, personal care, and monitoring for hypoglycaemia. Homage support workers in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth are matched to participants with complex health needs.
Nursing supports
Where clinical complexity requires it, the NDIS may fund a registered nurse to create a disability-related diabetes management plan, train support workers in insulin delivery and BGL monitoring, and provide ongoing clinical oversight. NDIS item: 15_036_0114_1_3 (Improved Daily Living). Homage offers high-intensity nursing care at home for participants who need this level of support.
Assistive technology
The NDIS may fund CGM devices, insulin pumps, wall-mounted glucose monitors for participants with limited limb mobility, and talking blood glucose meters for those with vision impairment — but only where the item cannot be accessed through the NDSS or Medicare first.
Dietitian and meal support
Dietitians are funded under Capacity Building (items 12_025_0128_3_3 and 15_062_0128_3_3). Prepared meal delivery is funded under Core Supports, Assistance with Daily Life (item 01_022_0120_1_1) where disability prevents independent meal preparation.
What the NDIS does NOT fund
Insulin, metformin, Ozempic, or any other diabetes medication (PBS); GP and specialist appointments (Medicare); blood glucose test strips and CGM consumables (NDSS); dialysis (health system); Credentialled Diabetes Educator sessions (state health departments).
Diabetes Complications and NDIS Coverage
| Complication | Health System Funds | NDIS Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Limb amputation | Surgery, wound management | Prosthetic limb, physio, support worker for ADLs |
| Vision impairment (retinopathy) | Eye treatments, laser therapy | Screen readers, talking glucose meter, orientation support |
| Kidney failure (nephropathy) | Dialysis, medication | Support worker for daily tasks where fatigue is permanent |
| Cognitive impairment | Endocrine management | CGM device, support worker for safe insulin administration |
| Peripheral neuropathy | Medical management, podiatry | Support worker for mobility and meal prep, AT for dexterity |
Other Government Support for Diabetes
| Scheme | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| NDSS | Subsidised BGL test strips, insulin pump consumables, CGM devices. Free to register. |
| Medicare | GP visits, specialist referrals, Chronic Disease Management Plan (up to 5 allied health visits/year). |
| PBS | Subsidised diabetes medications including insulin, metformin, and Ozempic (Type 2 only, ~$31.60/script or $7.70 concession). |
| Breakthrough T1D | Free insulin pumps for eligible low-income families with children under 18 with Type 1 Diabetes. |
How to Access NDIS Diabetes Support
| Step | Action | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | See your GP first | They can refer you to Medicare and NDSS services and write supporting evidence for your NDIS application. |
| 2 | Submit an NDIS Access Request | Call 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au. Evidence of permanent functional impairment is required. |
| 3 | Build your plan | Work with your LAC or Support Coordinator to specify diabetes-related disability supports. Be clear about your goals. |
| 4 | Choose a registered provider | Homage is a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth with specialist capacity for complex health needs, including diabetes-related disability. |
Homage NDIS Services
Homage is a registered NDIS provider delivering personalised in-home support across Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Our services for participants with diabetes-related disability include:
- NDIS Support Workers — personal care, meal prep, BGL prompting, transport to appointments
- Registered Nurses at Home — insulin oversight, wound monitoring, clinical care plans
- High-Intensity Personal Activities — for participants with complex and high-dependency needs
- 3-hour urgent fulfilment | Enterprise Portal for Support Coordinators
Book a Free Consultation — call Homage on 1300 705 029 or visit homage.com.au/get-free-consult
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people with diabetes get NDIS?
Yes, but diabetes alone is not enough. You need a permanent and significant disability resulting from diabetes — such as amputation, vision loss, or severe cognitive impairment — that substantially limits daily functioning. Type 1 Diabetes is a DSS-recognised disability. Read our guide on how to use NDIS funding for more context.
Will NDIS pay for Ozempic?
No. Ozempic is funded through the PBS for eligible adults with Type 2 diabetes (~$31.60/script; $7.70 concession). It is not funded by the NDIS. The NDIS does not cover any diabetes medication.
Is diabetes a permanent disability?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition. Type 1 Diabetes is listed in the DSS Guide to Recognised Disabilities and can qualify for NDIS when it permanently limits daily functioning. Type 2 may also qualify when it results in permanent impairment (e.g. amputation, blindness). The NDIS assesses functional impact, not diagnosis alone.
Can NDIS pay for supplements?
Not usually. The NDIS may fund prescribed nutritional supplements (enteral feeds, oral supplement drinks, thickeners) where directly related to disability and clinically prescribed. General vitamins and over-the-counter supplements are not claimable.
What is the 3-hour rule for diabetics?
Most commonly refers to Duration of Insulin Action (DIA) in insulin pump therapy — the window (typically 3–4 hours) during which a bolus dose is still considered active. Do not adjust DIA settings without guidance from your endocrinologist or Credentialled Diabetes Educator.
Does NDIS fund a dietitian?
Yes. Under Capacity Building: Improved Health and Wellbeing (12_025_0128_3_3) or Improved Daily Living (15_062_0128_3_3, ages 7+). Confirm item numbers with your Support Coordinator or plan manager.
What do you get free if you are diabetic in Australia?
PBS: Subsidised medications (~$31.60/script or $7.70 concession). NDSS: Subsidised BGL strips, pump consumables, CGM devices. Medicare: GP visits and up to 5 allied health sessions/year via a Chronic Disease Management Plan. Breakthrough T1D: Free pumps for eligible low-income families (children under 18 with T1D). NDIS-funded participants may also receive additional disability supports on top.
References
Show references
- National Disability Insurance Agency. (2025, April 7). Diabetes management supports. NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/7804/download?attachment=
- National Disability Insurance Agency. (2025). What help can you get to manage your diabetes through the health system or other services? NDIS Our Guidelines. https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/supports-you-can-access-menu/diabetes-management-supports/
- National Disability Insurance Agency. (2025). Eligibility and medical conditions FAQ. NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply/information-gps-and-health-professionals/eligibility-and-medical-conditions-faq
- National Disability Insurance Agency. (2025). Am I eligible? NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible
- Australian Diabetes Educators Association. (2019, December 4). The NDIS and diabetes. ADEA. https://ade.adea.com.au/the-ndis-and-diabetes/
- AIIM Choices. (2025, December 8). Diabetes-related NDIS support. AIIM Choices. https://aiimchoices.com.au/diabetes-related-ndis-support/
- Your Nutrition. (2025, June 16). NDIS and dietitian funding in 2025: What you need to know. https://www.yournutrition.au/blog/ndis-and-dietitian-funding-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know
- Leap in! (2026, February 10). NDIS budget areas explained: Consumables budget. https://www.leapin.com.au/news/ndis-budget-areas-explained-consumables-budget/
- National Disability Insurance Agency. (2025, May 6). Enteral feeding. NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/7918/download?attachment=
- Diabetes Australia. (2025, July 23). Ozempic supply returning to normal in Australia. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/news/ozempic-supply-returning-to-normal-in-australia/
- Healthdirect. (2026, April 1). Ozempic (semaglutide): Medicine information. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,1401991000168100/ozempic
- Australian Government Department of Social Services. (2020). Guide to the list of recognised disabilities. DSS. https://www.dss.gov.au/income-support-payments/guide-list-recognised-disabilities
- Sundberg, F., Forsander, G., Fasth, A., & Dahlgren, J. (2017). Bolus calculator settings in well-controlled prepubertal children using insulin pumps. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5478012/
- People with Disability Australia. (2025, December 11). NDIS frequently asked questions. PWDA. https://pwd.org.au/get-help/ndis-support/ndis-frequently-asked-questions/
