Fed govt program for Type 1 diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes will have access to free glucose monitoring devices under a federal government program.

The $54 million program has been praised as a "life-changer" by Diabetes Australia.

"This will benefit around 4,000 Australian families with a child or young person with type 1 diabetes who are struggling to manage the condition," DA CEO Professor Greg Johnson said in a statement.

The program will save sufferers about $4000 a year by giving them access to continuous glucose monitoring devices for free through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

It's open to children and people aged under 21.

The glucose monitors will alert users or their parents if glucose levels are getting too low, without the need for continuous finger prick tests.

This will help to reduce stress and anxiety for everyone involved, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a statement.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks a person's ability to produce insulin.