The Diabetes Alliance has called on the Federal Government to commit to, and fund, the recommendations of the Parliament Inquiry into Diabetes.

In a submission to the Federal Budget process, the Alliance highlighted key priorities from the recommendations including access to diabetes technologies, investment in research, support for the diabetes workforce and investment in prevention. 

With over two million Australians living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, the condition is the cause of a growing crisis costing the health system $3.4 billion annually.

The Parliamentary Inquiry report, The State of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia, includes 23 recommendations including support for expanding access to diabetes technologies, coordinating diabetes research, better funding the diabetes workforce and investing in diabetes prevention. The recommendations are a comprehensive package of measures that would begin to stem the tide of Australia’s diabetes epidemic

Diabetes Australia’s position statement on equitable access to technology formed part of the budget submission. It advocates for a staged approach to expanding subsidies for insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes and continuous glucose monitoring devices for people living with type 2 diabetes.

More funding for diabetes research is also a key focus for the Federal Budget. A decline in funding for diabetes research in Australia has had a significant impact on the field.

In 2023, NHMRC (the Australian Government’s primary health and medical research funding agency), provided only $19 million for diabetes research, which is less than half of the amount allocated in 2022.

A budget submission from the Australian Diabetes Society, Diabetes Australia and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association calls for $50 million in funding for priority areas of research including the causes of diabetes, prevention and remission, complications, and the rates of diabetes in the general population; as well as $75 million for diabetes-specific investigator grants.

The sector acknowledges and celebrates the Federal Government’s announcement last year to fund the Clinical Research Network of JDRF Australia. This is a significant investment in type 1 diabetes research. The Alliance is advocating for investment in other areas of diabetes research as well.

The Australian Diabetes Alliance

The Australian Diabetes Alliance comprises the country’s major diabetes organisations in collective advocacy for the sector: Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australian Diabetes Society, JDRF Australia, the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society, and the Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.

Tasmania’s stunning landscapes will once again play host to Pollie Pedal Tasmania 2025, a three-day cycling event to raise funds and awareness in support of people living with diabetes.

From Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2, cyclists of all levels will have the chance to ride alongside Deputy Premier Guy Barnett, who lives with type 1 diabetes, and help make a lasting difference in their community.

With only one month to go until the riders start pedalling, Deputy Premier Barnett is encouraging the community to get involved.

“Pollie Pedal is more than a cycling event. It’s a statement of hope and solidarity,” said Deputy Premier Barnett, who is a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness.

“As someone living with type 1 diabetes, I know firsthand how critical it is to support the people and families affected by this condition.

“The event not only raises much-needed funds for diabetes, but it also brings people together. I’m honoured to be part of it again this year and encourage everyone to register or donate,” he said.

This is Pollie Pedal’s 18^th ride and it has become a cornerstone event in Tasmania, raising over $850,000 since 2006 to fund vital diabetes programs and research. Participants will traverse picturesque coastal roads and rolling hills, uniting for a shared mission to reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals and families.

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO, Justine Cain, applauded the Tasmanian community’s enduring support for Pollie Pedal.

“This event embodies the spirit of Tasmanians: generous, united, and driven by purpose,” Ms Cain said. “Every kilometre ridden and every dollar donated takes us closer to a future free from diabetes.

“We’re so proud to stand with Guy and all the participants who inspire us with their dedication and enthusiasm.”

This event comes at a time when two million Australians are living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, and even more are living with prediabetes, including 88,000 people in Tasmania.

“Diabetes, if not managed appropriately, can lead to devastating complications such as limb amputation, kidney disease, heart attack and vision loss,” Ms Cain said.

“Worryingly, rates of diabetes have increased by 32% nationally over the past decade.

“We need urgent action to stem the tide of this epidemic and support people who are living with diabetes. Community events like Pollie Pedal support us to do that important work,” she said.

Russell James is a Registered Nurse as well as a lecturer at the University of Tasmania and has a strong family history of type 1 diabetes. He lives in Hobart with his wife and two boys, William, 11, and Xavier, 10. Both Russell and Xavier live with type one diabetes.

“My family’s journey with type 1 diabetes spans generations: my father, my aunt, myself, and now Xavier. Initiatives like Pollie Pedal raise awareness and funds that will help break this cycle for future generations,” Dr James said.

“Cycling alongside Xavier is a powerful reminder that diabetes doesn’t define us. With the right support, education and determination, we can overcome any obstacle and keep moving forward.”

Deputy Premier Barnett, Xavier and Russell James are pictured above after speaking with journalists today at a press conference on the lawns of Hobart’s Parliament House to raise awareness of the upcoming ride.

Pollie Pedal isn’t just for seasoned cyclists; it’s for anyone passionate about making a difference. The event offers an opportunity to experience Tasmania’s breathtaking scenery while contributing to a cause that affects so many.

To register as a rider, sponsor, or donate, visit Pollie Pedal 2025 on Diabetes Australia website or email PolliePedal@diabetesaustralia.com.au.

Join us in the journey toward healthier, happier futures for all Tasmanians.

Fast Facts about Pollie Pedal Tasmania 2025:

• Dates: Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2, 2025
• Who can participate? Cyclists of all skill levels
• Funds raised since 2006: Over $850,000
• Cause: Supporting Tasmanians living with diabetes and funding prevention efforts

Together, let’s pedal for change.

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, researchers and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

Diabetes Australia has announced it will invest $40 million in diabetes research over the next 10 years.

In light of the current crisis in government funding for diabetes research, Diabetes Australia is committed to supporting the country’s world leading diabetes researchers in their efforts to find a cure.

Group CEO Justine Cain said Diabetes Australia, as the national peak body, was steadfast in its resolve to provide leadership around research funding.

“Research is the key to changing the future of diabetes in Australia. It creates hope for a cure, and for better day-to-day management, which is vital for people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“This significant commitment, by Diabetes Australia, will provide greater certainty for our diabetes research community and grow its life changing impact in discovering better treatments, and ultimately a cure for all types of diabetes. We are unwavering in our commitment to support the community,” she said.

Diabetes Australia will engage with the research community and people living with diabetes in early 2025 to design an approach that ensures that this $40 million investment achieves maximum impact over the next 10 years.

Australian Diabetes Society CEO Professor Sof Andrikopoulos said the research community welcomed the announcement.

“Understanding the condition’s process and its complications is the only way we can ensure people living with diabetes can live well. This can only happen with significant investment in research,” Associate Professor Andrikopoulos said.

Diabetes Australia has also announced that the new Diabetes Community Priority Grants will open for applications next week, providing a minimum of four grants of up to $100,000 each.

The program will fund projects that address the research priorities and unmet needs of the diabetes community as well as amplify lived experience voices.

“We recognise that research needs to be centred in lived experience, so through these grants we are involving people who live with diabetes throughout the research process,” Ms Cain said.

“These new grants signal our commitment to ensuring the diabetes community has a strong voice in research.”

Diabetes Australia’s Director of Research Professor Grant Brinkworth said having people with lived experience at the centre of research would change the focus of research efforts around Australia.

“Our commitment is to identify the needs of the diabetes community and fund the research that develops evidence-based solutions to address those needs.” 

The new grants will encourage applicants to describe the potential translation and impact of the proposed project, so that research with real-world application can be identified.

Diabetes Australia has also announced the 2025 Diabetes Australia Research Program (DARP) recipients.

The 2025 awards include eight general grants and three prestigious awards: the 2025 Charles Coghlan OAM Emerging Researcher Award (funded by a bequest to Diabetes Australia and Diabetes Victoria), the 2025 Millennium Type 1 Award, and the 2025 Millennium Type 2 Award.

Projects span a variety of disciplines including the development of a novel formulation for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, and a better understanding of the link between gestational diabetes (the fastest growing type of diabetes) and type 2 diabetes.

During National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia announced a $250,000 investment in a new Diabetes Technology Research Accelerator Grant, designed to fast-track the development of new diabetes technologies. The program will create evidence-based, real-world solutions for people living with diabetes.

On the back of that announcement was the establishment of the Australian Diabetes Clinical Trials network, a groundbreaking new collaboration with ACADI.

Ms Cain emphasised the significance of these initiatives for diabetes research.

“Diabetes Australia is committed to research, to elevating lived experience voices, and to changing lives,” she said.

The Diabetes Australia Research Program relies on the generosity and support of member organisations, corporates, and individual donors. Find out more about how to support us.

Applications for Diabetes Community Priority Grants will be open until February 2025.

2025 DARP recipients

Recipient	Institute	State	Project Title
Dr Amanda Brandon	The University of Sydney	NSW	The effect of age and sex on metabolic health
Professor Jonathan Gleadle	Flinders University	SA	The Diabetic Kidney: Size Matters
Dr Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos	Flinders University	SA	Altered placental hormones in response to elevated folic acid: Proposed mechanism for the rise in gestational diabetes in Australia
Dr Lennart Kuck Kellion Diabetes Research Grant	Griffith University	QLD	Red blood cells – the forgotten players driving cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes
Associate Professor Costan Magnussen	Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute	VIC	Intersecting Stages: Early-life factors to forecast type 2 diabetes in adulthood
Mrs Simone Marschner	The University of Sydney	NSW	Understanding the link between gestational diabetes and subsequent type 2 diabetes onset: genetic and non-genetic factors
Dr Magdalene Montgomery	University of Melbourne	VIC	Uncovering novel regulators of hepatic glucose metabolism and glycaemic control
Associate Professor Tongzhi Wu	The University of Adelaide	SA	Regulation of glucose homeostasis by renal ‘sweet taste’ sensing in people with type 2 diabetes

2025 Award Recipients

Charles Coghlan OAM Emerging Researcher Award (funded by a bequest to Diabetes Australia and Diabetes Victoria)
Dr Jedidiah Morton
Addressing inequality in type 2 diabetes development, treatment, and outcomes.

Millennium Type 1 Award
Dr Rong Xu
Novel formulation for the treatment of type 1 diabetes

Millennium Type 2 Award
Associate Prof Adam Rose
Role of liver amino acid metabolism in glucagon pharmacotherapies for type 2 diabetes.

We are excited to announce an opportunity to contribute to the future of diabetes research in Australia.

Diabetes Australia and the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovation (ACADI) have collaborated to establish the Australian Diabetes Clinical Trial Network (ADCTN), a research initiative designed to increase clinical trial activity in Australia. Clinical trials ensure new treatments deliver real benefits to people, while also identifying any potential risks or side effects.

The ADCTN will support diabetes researchers by providing expert peer review and lived experience perspectives for clinical trial protocols, offering feedback to strengthen research protocols and proposals. Our purpose is to promote and facilitate local and international diabetes clinical trials in Australia.

Lived experience and expertise in diabetes clinical research are invaluable in ensuring new diabetes treatments deliver real benefits. We invite you to bring your voice and clinical insights to our new research network to help shape better outcomes for all affected by diabetes.

The ADCTN is currently seeking new members for the Executive Committee and the Reviewer Panel to help in the trial review process.

Open Positions

1. Executive Committee Member

• The Executive Committee governs and guides the activity of the ADCTN through scientific leadership, strategic management, and peer engagement.
• The Executive Committee will include both people living with diabetes and researchers experienced in conducting clinical trials.

2. Reviewer Panellist

• The Review Panel will be engaged on an as-needed basis for expertise in specific areas of diabetes. 
• Panellists will include both people living with diabetes and researchers experienced in conducting clinical trials.
• ADCTN will provide an annual certificate to acknowledge the contributions for those who review for the ADCTN. 

Click here to submit your expression of interest:

https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_9XFNnwj8g0e7pXw

Research into time-restricted eating for people living with type 2 diabetes, funded by the Diabetes Australia Research Program, has just been published.

The Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal reported results from the study by Dr Evelyn Parr (pictured) and her team, which found time-restricted eating (TRE) may help people manage type 2 diabetes. TRE means people eat all their food within a certain time window each day.

The recent study, conducted between 2021 and 2022 at the Australian Catholic University, included 51 people with type 2 diabetes, aged 35 to 65, who were split into two groups. One group practiced TRE, eating only within a set 9-hour period each day, while the other group were guided by dietitians on how to improve their diet by focusing on healthier foods and cutting down on fats and carbohydrates. Both groups were monitored for six months.

The results showed that both TRE and dietitian guidance helped people improve their blood glucose management, and improvements were similar between the two groups. Participants in both groups lowered their HbA1c levels within the first two months, and these improvements lasted for the full six months.

The results also showed that TRE helped people naturally reduce their carbohydrate intake, while dietitian guidance helped people cut down on fats.

The researchers have concluded that TRE could be especially useful for people who don’t have easy access to dietitians, such as those living in rural and remote areas. Since TRE doesn’t need a detailed meal plan, it can be guided by general healthcare workers, making it a practical and easy option for many.

As with all lifestyle changes, people living with diabetes are encouraged to discuss any new eating plan with their health professional before making a change.

While there is no one-size-fits-all, and individual choice is an important part of managing diabetes, this research suggests that TRE could be a valuable first step for some.

Diabetes Australia congratulates Dr Parr and her team on the publication of their research in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.

Dr Rochelle Sleaby, Professor Lena Sanci, Professor Elif Ekinci, Dr Alex Lee, and Dr Kartik Kishore are the recipients of the joint 2024 RACGP Foundation/Diabetes Australia Research Grant.

The grant is for the project “Preparing Primary Care for Precision Diabetes”, which will study how precision medicine (tailored to individual needs) can improve the management and prevention of type 2 diabetes in Australia.

The research will look at how data analytics can be used to get the best health outcomes in type 2 diabetes management in primary care.

Congratulations to Dr Sleaby and her team for focusing on how to accommodate individual needs and responses to therapy.

Research like this supports people living with diabetes to get the best care possible.

Image: (L-R) Keren Pointon, Dr Lisa Hayes, Dr Anish Menon, Prof Elif Ekinci, Justine Cain, Susan Kozij, Prof David O’Neal, Prof Josephine Forbes, Prof Grant Brinkworth, Andrew Bowskill

A groundbreaking new collaboration in diabetes research announced in Brisbane will improve outcomes for people living with diabetes.

Diabetes Australia and the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovation (ACADI) have joined forces to announce the Australian Diabetes Clinical Trials Network (ADCTN), a research initiative designed to increase the number of diabetes clinical trials in Australia.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said clinical trials are a cornerstone of medical research and innovation because of their real-world application.

“People living with diabetes are at the heart of everything we do,” Ms Cain said.

“Clinical trials ensure that new treatments deliver real benefits to people, while also identifying any potential risks or side effects.

“Our new network will increase the number of diabetes clinical trials being funded and conducted in Australia. This will make a huge difference in the lives of people living with diabetes because it means new and innovative treatments and interventions can be tested and hopefully become available.”

ACADI director and head of Medicine at Melbourne University, Professor Elif Ekinci, said the network will support diabetes researchers by providing expert review and feedback of clinical trial protocols and grant funding applications.

“Clinical trials are essential to inform new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diabetes,” Professor Ekinci said.

“By advancing our understanding of how different treatments work and evaluating their impact, clinical trials play a crucial role in improving the care of people living with diabetes. Their results contribute to the development of more effective, safer healthcare options and help inform evidence-based practices in medicine.”

Princess Alexandra Hospital’s REMODeL research team leader, endocrinologist Dr Anish Menon, is leading a clinical trial where advances in technology and online access to health practitioners are improving outcomes for patients with complex type 2 diabetes. The REMODeL trial received funding from  ACADI.

The Rethinking Models of Outpatient Diabetes Care Using eHealth (REMODeL) enables patients to record and upload their blood glucose readings using a Bluetooth glucose meter and receive automated feedback based on parameters set on a clinician dashboard app. Clinicians review results in real time via a “smart alert” triaging feature that helps identify patients who need priority support.  

“Imagine a world where managing diabetes is made easier by checking your phone!” Dr Menon said. “That’s the future REMODeL is creating. This innovative nurse-led model of care using digital tools is empowering people with type 2 diabetes, letting them track their health stats and share that info with their nurses in real-time. No more waiting for appointments or worrying about missed calls – it’s like having a diabetes expert in your pocket!”

Dr Menon said the additional benefit is that clinicians get more time to focus on what matters most: providing complex (high value) care.

Since the REMODeL research began in 2016, participants have achieved an average 1% reduction in HbA1c (average glucose levels over two to three months), which translates into reductions of 21% in diabetes-related deaths, 14% myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), and 37% of microvascular complications (affecting kidneys, eyes, lower limbs etc). There are also reduced in-person clinic visits rather than the traditional care model.

The research team has successfully demonstrated that these benefits can also be experienced by people from regional areas to improve quality of life and decrease diabetes distress. The current plan is to explore this model of care in the disadvantaged and CALD populations.

Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Dr Lisa Hayes, said REMODeL’s personalized approach supports better health outcomes with greater ease and precision, marking a significant step forward in diabetes care.

“We’re hoping that remote funding could be provided in the near future, which would mean that this will become routine care for people attending diabetes clinics,” Dr Hayes said.

“Our findings show that through changes to the way we care for people with diabetes, we can improve their outcomes.

“REMODeL findings have the potential to change the health and life expectancy for Australians with diabetes wherever they live.

“If more people living with type 2 diabetes had access to continuous glucose monitoring devices, we could make this even more efficient and effective,” she said.

A new weight loss medicine, Wegovy, will be available in Australia from early August 2024.

Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk made the announcement on 1 August 2024.

Wegovy is not currently subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and is only available via private prescription. People may be able to receive a portion of the cost of a private prescription from their private health insurance.

According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Wegovy, which is a brand of semaglutide, is approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents “as an adjunct to a reduced-energy diet and increased physical activity when specific criteria are met”.

Semaglutide is the same active ingredient found in Ozempic, a type 2 diabetes treatment.

The TGA has advised that while Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, the approved indications (circumstances for use) are different, as are the dosages.

Anyone interested in learning more about semaglutide products should speak with their health professional.

See the Wegovy Product Information for more information.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a semaglutide injectable prescription medicine.

According to Novo Nordisk it is used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity:

• to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with known heart disease and with either obesity or overweight.
• that may help adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose excess body weight and keep the weight off.

Australians living with all types of diabetes should have equitable access to the technology they need to live well. Right now they don’t and this needs to change.

That was the simple, yet powerful, message for National Diabetes Week 2024 (July 14-20).

National Diabetes Week featured many powerful stories of people living with diabetes, highlighting the current inequities many Australians experience accessing the technology they need to live well.

Throughout the week, a series of community engagement events, media opportunities, and announcements amplified the voices of the diabetes community and showcased the need for fair and equitable access to diabetes technology.

‘DiaBuddies’ help launch National Diabetes Week

A big group of ‘DiaBuddies’ children living with type 1 diabetes and their families helped launch National Diabetes Week 2024 in Brisbane. In sharing their stories, these children and their families highlighted the difference diabetes technology makes in their lives but, also the financial hardship for many trying to access this technology.

Position Statement outlines the steps needed to create more affordable access to diabetes technology

To kick-off National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia released a new policy paper calling on the government to make life changing technology more affordable for people living with all types of diabetes.

In the paper, we have outlined the steps needed to create more affordable access to CGM devices and insulin pumps, including economic modelling that shows a $200 million package of investment would support nearly 40,000 people living with diabetes to access these technologies, prioritising those with the greatest need.

Acknowledging that subsidies to improve access will likely need to be delivered in a staged approach over time, the paper recommends key priority groups in the first instance, with further expansion in the future.

The paper also outlines recommendations for changes to the way diabetes technologies are assessed and approved in Australia and investment in the diabetes workforce to support people living with diabetes get the most out of technology.

New funding announced for diabetes technology research

During National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia announced a new funding program to support research into life-changing diabetes technologies.

The Diabetes Technology Research Accelerator Grant Program has been designed to fast-track the development of new diabetes technologies.

The research program will bring together technology and pharmaceutical industries with world leading researchers to get new technologies into the hands of people with diabetes who need them most.

Diabetes Australia will be investing seed funding of $250,000 and we are calling for matched funding from industry partners to help generate $1 million to spear-head this initiative and create real change.

Marrin Weejali event highlights need for technology access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Federal MP backs campaign with activation in Sydney’s West

In collaboration with Federal Member for Fowler, Dai Le MP, Diabetes Australia hosted an activation at Cabramatta Plaza, in Sydney’s West. Fowler has a strong multicultural community with rates of diabetes much higher than the national average. Hundreds turned out to engage in the event, chat with a diabetes health professional and hear about the campaign for fair and equitable access to diabetes technology.

Victorian Virtual Emergency Department-Diabetes Service launched

Diabetes Australia is proud to be backing the new Victorian Virtual Emergency Department-Diabetes Service, launched during National Diabetes Week.

The first of its kind in Australia service aims to provide emergency specialist support services for people living with diabetes and revolutionise the management of diabetes emergencies across Victoria.

Expert modelling shows huge cost savings for diabetes technology

News coverage during National Diabetes Week highlighted new research which shows CGM devices can dramatically reduce the risk of life-threatening diabetes-related complications including blindness, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure for people living with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Australia Chief Medical Officer Professor David Simmons is a co-author on research presented recently at the American Diabetes Association conference. It studied people with type 2 diabetes on intensive insulin therapy in Australia.

The analysis shows CGM would massively reduce eye, renal, neuropathy, and cardiovascular complications of the condition by 17.7, 21.1, 8.7 and 2.5 per cent respectively.

April Welsh shares the life changing impact of diabetes technology

April Welsh, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of three, knows the life changing impact of diabetes technology. It’s helped her chase her dreams and compete professionally in motorsport, racing in Formula Vee in WA.

At a National Diabetes Week event hosted by Rio Tinto Children’s Diabetes Centre based at Perth Children’s Hospital and Telethon Kids Institute, April met with a group of children newly diagnosed with type 1 who are just starting out on their journey with diabetes tech.

Perth Diabetes Care roundtable highlights need to keep the conversation going

To cap off the week, a roundtable event hosted by Perth Diabetes Care provided a forum to hear from more people about how much fair and equitable access to technology would mean to them.

Let’s keep the conversation going

The national conversation, which commenced in the months leading up to National Diabetes Week, will continue well beyond July as the diabetes community continues to unite around this issue.

This fight starts and ends with community. Together we can make a difference!

Let’s unite in the fight for tech.

Diabetes Australia has announced a new funding program to support research into life-changing diabetes technologies.  

The Diabetes Technology Research Accelerator Grant program has been designed to fast-track the development of new diabetes technologies by connecting medical technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries with academics and clinicians. 

Visiting world-leading diabetes technology research at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said advances in diabetes technologies have transformed diabetes management and positively changed the lives of millions of people. 

“We will be investing seed funding of $250,000 in this research funding program that will create real solutions for people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said. 

“But we can’t do it alone. We want to amplify our funding commitment, with a call for matched funding from industry partners. We are calling on industry to help us generate $1 million to spear-head this initiative and create real change. 

“Australia is home to some of the world’s foremost researchers, pioneers and experts in the development of diabetes technologies, and nowhere is that more obvious than right here at St Vincent’s Hospital where they are at the absolute cutting-edge of diabetes technology research.” 

Professor David O’Neal, a Senior Endocrinologist at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, and his colleagues are focused on the significance of Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people with type 1 diabetes – a project funded by Diabetes Australia* and the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations. 

AID systems continuously monitor glucose levels and then provide rapid acting insulin to keep those levels within the target range. 

“Research is showing us how this technology makes it easier for a person to manage their glucose levels and improve their quality of life,” Professor O’Neal said. 

Ms Cain said despite the life changing benefits of AID technology, many people with type 1 diabetes are unable to afford an insulin pump, which is a critical part of the system.  

“People shouldn’t miss out on important health care just because they can’t afford it, so we are also calling on the Federal Government to expand subsidies for insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes,” Ms Cain said.  

William Heather, 55, from Hopper’s Crossing, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his 20s and developed chronic kidney disease. Use of an AID system has changed his life. 

“I couldn’t believe the difference the insulin pump made. My wife and I decided to take out a bank loan to buy a pump because I couldn’t imagine trying to manage my diabetes without it,” Willy, a storeman, said. 

“I got very lucky. A charity came to my rescue and helped me access a pump. It’s the best health I’ve had since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. 

“My kidney disease has now stabilised. I’d been told before the insulin pump that I’d need dialysis in two years but things are looking much more hopeful now.”  

* In 2022 $150,000 in grant funding was provided under the Diabetes Australia Millennium Award – Type 1 to Professor O’Neal from St Vincent’s Hospital for the project, Glucose Control with a Hybrid Closed Loop System in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes and Advanced Renal Disease.