The initiative to launch the National Strategy Against Diabetes is to be highly commended. Thousands of our fellow citizens suffer from this condition and diabetics need to be made aware of the way food affects their blood-glucose levels.

For diabetics to be aware of what food affects them negatively or positively, they have to take daily tests, especially two hours after starting a meal when the blood-glucose level is at its highest point.

To do this, they have to have a glucometer, test-strips and lancets.

Unfortunately, the price of these items in Malta is prohibitive for those on low incomes, especially for test-strips and lancets.

There are countries where diabetics are given everything they need to test themselves in their own homes, free of charge.

Here in Malta, I understand that only those having type 1 diabetes are given a number of free test-strips; the vast majority of diabetics in Malta, however, have type 2 diabetes.

I strongly appeal to the minister and parliamentary secretary responsible for health to find ways to make home testing for diabetes affordable to all.