Skip to content

COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Updated 25 January 2022.

COVID-19 (coronavirus) is a respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene, physical distancing and other measures can prevent infection.

The Australian Government is continuing to take a range of actions to protect the Australian community from the spread of COVID-19. The situation changes often. Stay up to date with the latest information on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

COVID-19 resources, including fact sheets and guidelines are available from the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

The National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline (1800 020 080) is available for anyone seeking information about COVID-19 or vaccines. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you have additional questions or need support, you can contact the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700.


Managing diabetes and staying healthy during COVID-19

  • Australia’s COVID-19 vaccines
    Everyone in Australia will be offered a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Read more about Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Having a plan if you get sick
    Being prepared can help you to know what to do if you get sick with a respiratory or other illness. Read more about sick day plans.
  • Looking after your mental health
    It’s important to take care of your mental health, especially if you are self-isolating or if you live in an area currently affected by a COVID-19 outbreak. We know things may be a little scary and uncertain. If you find yourself worrying, read more about managing worry.
  • Staying active
    Find out more about ways to stay active while practising social distancing.
  • Eating healthy
    The foods you eat can affect your diabetes management, how well you feel and how much energy you have. Read more about eating healthy.
  • Having a flu shot
    In addition to a COVID-19 vaccine, you can get vaccinated against the seasonal flu. Read more about flu shot.

Access to health services during COVID-19

  • Access to routine care
    It’s important to stay connected to your diabetes healthcare team and not skip routine health appointments. Read more about access to routine care.
  • Access to emergency care
    It is very important that you don’t delay accessing urgent medical care if you need it. Read more about access to emergency care.
  • Extra support
    The hours for the NDSS Helpline have been extended to be able to give greater support for people with diabetes during COVID-19. Read more about extra support for people with diabetes.

Access to NDSS products and diabetes medicines

  • Home delivery of medicines and NDSS products by pharmacies
    Medicine home delivery services are available to help vulnerable people stay at home and reduce their exposure to COVID-19. Read more about home delivery of medicines and NDSS products by pharmacies.
  • Signing of NDSS forms—temporary change
    People with diabetes will no longer need to sign some NDSS forms to access services and diabetes products during COVID-19. Read more about signing of NDSS forms.
  • Automatic extension for access to Blood Glucose Monitoring Strips (BGMS) through the NDSS
    The Australian Government has suspended the need for a doctor or credentialled diabetes educator (CDE) to sign Blood Glucose Monitoring Strip Six Month Access forms for people with type 2 diabetes not using insulin. Read more about the BGMS form extension for access during COVID-19.
  • NDSS product limits
    There is no need for people with diabetes to stockpile medications or diabetes products. Read more about NDSS product limits during COVID-19.

Important messages from the NDSS

  • Important news from NDSS will be shared with you on our news page, on this COVID19 page and our social media pages Facebook (facebook.com/TheNDSS) or Twitter (twitter.com/NDSS_AUS).
  • Important messages from the NDSS may be sent directly to you via email or your mobile phone. You can check out our most recent message Keep healthy during COVID-19 here.
  • Face-to-face education and support programs and activities.
    Face-to-face education and support programs and activities are being impacted in areas currently affected by COVID-19 outbreaks. Many of these programs and other activities are delivered online and available on this website or by local diabetes organisations (NDSS Agents). You can call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 to find out more about our services or if you need extra support.

Information for health professionals


More information

There is a large amount of unverified information circulating in the media. It is important that you seek information on COVID-19 from trusted sources.

Visit the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Information Page. It is regularly updated with the latest information. More information is also available through the Australian Government’s Coronavirus app and the WhatsApp channel. You may also wish to download or find out more about the  COVIDSafe app.

The information on our NDSS page (this page) is based on the advice provided on the above page (Australian Government’s Coronavirus Information Page).

If you have questions about coronavirus please call the Australian Government’s National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080. The Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are concerned with the availability of diabetes medicines please visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration website for the latest information.

Diabetes Australia’s website contains the latest information for people with diabetes. This is based on advice provided by the Department of Health and Aged Care and in consultation with Australia’s leading diabetes healthcare professional experts.

Diabetes Australia and the NDSS are regularly updating their social media pages with information as it becomes available.

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

Learn about the artwork