Diabetes Australia took a simple yet powerful message to the halls of Parliament House in Canberra this week: Australians living with all types of diabetes should have equitable access to the technology they need to live well.  

Highlighting our advocacy for increased subsidies for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, a delegation from Diabetes Australia, including people living with diabetes, met with Senators and Members of Parliament to discuss the life-changing nature of these technologies.  

Proud mum of two Katie Godden, endocrinologist Dr Ben Nash, and former AFL star Paddy McCartin (pictured above) all live with type 1 diabetes and shared their stories with the nation’s policy makers about the importance of diabetes technologies. Far left is Diabetes Australia’s Taryn Black. 

Diabetes Australia’s policy paper outlines 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. 

A busy day at Parliament House on November 20 saw the Diabetes Australia team meet with many Members of Parliament and Senators including Dr Mike Freelander MP and Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston. Great connections were formed as advocates discussed how important technology is for people living with diabetes.  

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.

New research shows continuous glucose monitoring 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.

This National Diabetes Week (July 14-20), Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain has called for more affordable access to life changing technology such as CGM devices and insulin pumps, which are out of reach for many people.

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

The analysis shows CGM would cost the Federal Government $14,000 per person over a lifetime, and massively reduce eye, renal, neuropathy, and cardiovascular complications of the condition by 17.7, 21.1, 8.7 and 2.5 per cent respectively.

Diabetes Australia is calling on the Federal Government to invest $200 million over four years in increased subsidies for CGM and insulin pumps.

“Over the past 100 years, advances in technology and medicines have delivered significant improvements in quality of life and health outcomes for people living with all types of diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“In 2022, the Federal Government implemented subsidised access to CGM devices for all people living with type 1 diabetes. This was a significant win for the type 1 diabetes community and has improved the lives of tens of thousands of Australians. But there’s more to be done.

“While some Australians living with diabetes can access technologies such as CGM devices and insulin pumps, they are just too expensive for many people.

“There are so many Australians struggling with the rising cost of living who are missing out on life changing and potentially lifesaving diabetes technology.

“This research shows investing in diabetes technologies is proven to improve health and economic outcomes. There is a body of evidence which shows that these devices are game-changing in terms of managing blood glucose levels and improving time-in-range, which ultimately reduces diabetes complications and hospitalisations, and also improves quality of life.  

“If we can reduce the number of people who develop diabetes related complications like stroke, heart attack, blindness and kidney disease, we could reduce the economic burden on our health system by billions of dollars each year. This would also significantly improve the lives of people living with diabetes,” she said.

A new policy paper, released by Diabetes Australia earlier this week, outlines the steps needed to create more affordable access to CGM devices and insulin pumps for people with all types of diabetes.

The paper includes 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 greatest need.

This initially includes insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes who are:

• under 21 years of age;
• over 21 years of age with a health care card; or
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The proposal also includes CGM devices for people living with type 2 and other types of diabetes who are:

• pregnant;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
• under the age of 21; or
• requiring multiple daily injections of insulin.

Professor Simmons said CGM was a cost-effective intervention to improve quality of life and reduce hospitalisations.

“CGM reduces hospital-type events, such as dialysis, and other things by improving glucose levels and monitoring.

“It not only improves quality of life but the length of life as well. As an advocate for people with diabetes, and someone looking at cost-effectiveness and hospital workloads, I think it is a win-win-win.”

John Davies, 55, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about six years ago. A heavy vehicle operator, John’s condition was extremely serious when eventually diagnosed and he was told by doctors in emergency that he had probably lived with diabetes for many years.

“I’ve been on insulin since I was diagnosed but I couldn’t bring my glucose levels back into a healthy range. Flash glucose monitoring (a type of CGM) has changed my life and health,” John said.

“I understand a lot more about what affects my glucose levels now, especially with my food choices, so I know what to do to be healthier.”

“I fully support the Federal Government helping us to access this technology. It helped me a lot.”

On July 3 a report was tabled in Parliament following the conclusion of a Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, chaired by Dr Mike Freelander MP.

The report recommends the expansion of subsidised access to CGM devices and insulin pumps.

Diabetes Australia is calling on the government to support access to life-changing diabetes technology for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Attending a community event hosted by Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation in Sydney’s Mount Druitt area, Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain highlighted the advantages of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for people living with type 2 diabetes.

This National Diabetes Week (July 14-20), Ms Cain is calling on the Federal Government to invest $200 million in access to life-changing diabetes technologies for those Australians who need it the most.

“Our recent report, the State of the Nation, outlined how diabetes is disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Cain said.

“The evidence is clear. The diabetes epidemic is having a profound impact in Aboriginal and Torries Strait Islander communities and there is an urgent need to bring about change.”

In remote central Australia, research has found that 40% of Aboriginal adults had been diagnosed with diabetes, marking the highest recorded diabetes prevalence in the world. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people also face the world’s highest rates of youth-onset type 2 diabetes.

“While CGM devices have proven to be effective in supporting people with type 2 diabetes to manage their glucose levels, they aren’t affordable for many people,” Ms Cain said.  

“That’s why we’re calling on the Federal Government to expand subsidies from CGM devices.

“In 2022, the Federal Government implemented subsidised access to CGM devices for all people living with type 1 diabetes. Now there is more to be done to expand that affordable access to people living with type 2 and other types of diabetes – especially the most vulnerable,” she said.

Diabetes Australia National Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement, Adjunct Associate Professor Deanne Minniecon, a Goreng Goreng and Erub woman, said Diabetes Australia is committed to alleviating the diabetes crisis in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

“There is more to be done to ensure affordable access to technologies. CGM devices have a huge impact, helping people to manage their glucose levels and stay healthy,” Adj Prof Minniecon said.

“No Australian should be missing out on effective health care. CGM devices have proven to be incredibly effective, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes,” she said.

Gomeroi man and award-winning exercise physiologist Ray Kelly has delivered the successful Too Deadly for Diabetes program through Marrin Weejali and said CGMs provide great education on glucose management.

“However, they aren’t subsidised, and are out of reach for many people who can’t afford them,” Mr Kelly said.

“We began using the technology in the Too Deadly for Diabetes program in 2022 and the impact was instant. We were already getting great health outcomes for our participants, but CGMs made it easier and safer to transition people off insulin.

“Many of the people in the program had been on insulin for over a decade so reading their glucose levels in real time gave them confidence in what they were doing.

“The alarm settings warned them if their glucose levels dropped too low, and the time in range reports gave their GPs clear information on how they were progressing. It’s been a game-changer!”

Ms Cain said investing in diabetes technologies will improve both health and economic outcomes.

“Research shows that these devices are game-changing in terms of managing glucose levels and improving time-in-range, which ultimately reduces diabetes complications and hospitalisations,” she said. 

“A study of CGM use in the UK found an 86% reduction in paramedic callouts and a 62% reduction in hospital admissions from hypoglycaemia.

“If we can reduce the number of people living with diabetes experiencing  complications like stroke, heart attack, blindness and kidney disease – we could reduce the economic burden on our health system by billions of dollars each year.

“This would also significantly improve the lives of people living with diabetes.”

Cheryl’s journey with type 2 diabetes began 15 years ago when she was diagnosed unexpectedly during a routine blood test.

“It turned my world upside down. I suddenly had to think consciously about everything I put in my mouth, whether it might raise my blood sugars, how many carbohydrates there were. The counting carbohydrates drives me mad.” 

Following extensive research and discussions with her doctor, a year after her diagnosis Cheryl decided to start insulin therapy.  

Cheryl first trialed using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device five years ago. Using a CGM allows Cheryl to monitor her blood glucose trends in real time. However, as a pensioner, Cheryl can only afford to wear a CGM for two weeks every three to four months. While CGM devices are now subsidised for all people with type 1 diabetes, they are not funded for people who live with type 2 diabetes, including people who use insulin like Cheryl.  

“I would dearly love to be able to wear a CGM 365 days per year.” 

Cheryl is concerned that without affordable access to a CGM, she is unable to keep her blood glucose levels within the target range, which gives her the best chance of preventing complications. “I’ve been trying for ten years, and it’s just not possible without the CGM.”  

Watch Cheryl’s story:

Rachel lives a full life while living with type 1 diabetes. She is working part time, studying part time, and has two young children. She wouldn’t have it any other way. Rachel and her partner spent almost a decade of planning, preparing, and focusing on her diabetes management to reach a place where they felt comfortable trying for a baby.  

During the pregnancy planning process, Rachel was using a blood glucose monitor to manually check her levels, which meant fingerpicking up to 12 times a day. By the time Rachel did fall pregnant with her first child, the government announced that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices would be subsidised for women with type 1 diabetes who are actively planning pregnancy, pregnant, or immediately post-pregnancy.   

“I’m extremely thankful that I had the CGM. I instantly had access to seeing what my levels were doing throughout the day. Reducing the burden of doing manual checking was really helpful and immediately, the calluses on my fingers healed up.” 

After welcoming her second child, Rachel enrolled at Western Sydney University to complete a PhD that looks at lived experiences of diabetes and pregnancy.  

“Currently if you have type 1 diabetes, you can access the subsidised continuous glucose monitoring technology to help you with planning a pregnancy. At this stage, if you have any other type of diabetes, you don’t have access to this subsidy. And it’s really inequitable.” 

Through her research, Rachel is committed to helping people with all types of diabetes have a healthy pregnancy like she was able to experience thanks to technology.  

Watch Rachel’s story:

I am 11 years old and live on the Gold Coast. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after a normal weekend. On the Sunday I had a really good thickshake with ice cream and all the toppings, but then sort of passed out on the couch, like I was super tired.

That night Mum and Dad noticed I’d lost some weight and on reflection thought about how much water I’d been drinking lately. The next day we saw a GP who tried two finger testers but got no number, so we were sent to the Emergency Department at Tweed Hospital and I was diagnosed there. My blood glucose was 44 and my ketones were high. I was in DKA. It was really difficult to get a line into my veins because I was really weak and so skinny. 

Since diagnosis, after a great week in hospital with heaps of training, I haven’t really looked back! I play Rugby League for Tugun Seahawks, I play kit drums in three bands at school and I have a very active social life!  

I have been using a pump for nearly three years. Using a pump means I don’t have to give myself a needle every time I want to eat. It also means I can be more independent from my parents. Now I know a bit more about how to use my pump I can spend time at friends’ houses and go on school camps, all without having to worry about the needles, safety of needles, and the injections.

At the moment I can have a pump because of Mum and Dad’s health insurance (which is in excess of $600 per month). Sometimes I worry about what kind of job I will get because if I don’t get a good job I won’t be able to afford the insurance I need for a pump.

If the government make accessing a pump more affordable I can grow up confident that I will have the option to choose the best care for myself, the care I want, whether it be needles or pump therapy. I also know lots of DiaBuddies who can’t afford insurance and don’t have a pump. It would be nice if they got access to one too.

Two weeks before my 30^th birthday I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

I had been losing weight, felt very tired and could not seem to quench my thirst. I thought perhaps I had developed type 2 diabetes as it was during the COVID-19 lockdowns and I had been eating a lot of high carb food. But my blood test showed type 1 diabetes.

It has been a big learning curve. I have had to learn how to count carbs, know what is in the food I eat, and adjust my lifestyle to include giving upwards of four needles a day. 

Since July 2022 when the government began to subsidise the sensors, I have used a CGM to track my glucose. But I have never used a pump due to the price.

I know there is technology available that would be greatly beneficial to my daily life, but the cost of type 1 diabetes is high enough already without having to try and find money for devices. 

Not having affordable access to technology has placed a huge burden on my mental health as I am always thinking about how to manage my diabetes. This includes having to inject myself with insulin multiple times a day, even when out in public, and going to the restrooms to inject so I don’t offend anyone. 

If the government made access more affordable, I would feel so much more supported. It would help prevent long term effects of hyperglycaemia, which in turn would mean less trips to the hospital or my GP. It would also reduce the mental load and really help me avoid burnout and the need for psychological appointments.

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in August 2023. It came as quite a surprise as I had no idea that adults could get diabetes.

It was very challenging at first because they couldn’t confirm immediately if I was type 1 or type 2, and that period of uncertainly felt like I was in limbo. Once they confirmed type 1, it was like being transported into a completely different world where everything had changed. I just had to accept it and move forward.

I was initially doing fingerpricks after I went home from the hospital but as I am very interested in technology I did a lot of research after my diagnosis and decided to try the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device. I received a trial directly from the Dexcom website and, for a couple of weeks, I wore both Dexcom and another CGM. Not having to scan with the Dexcom G6 made it an easy choice for me.

Being able to monitor my glucose levels is very helpful for managing my condition and the tech enthusiast in me loves having access to all the data a CGM provides. It’s amazing to be able to see what my body is doing in real-time, something that most people never ever think about. It allows me to learn so much more about my body than I ever would have otherwise. For example, seeing how simple activities like hanging the washing can affect my glucose is fascinating.

With CGM, I’ve been able to integrate all the data into a live display at home. We have three devices around the house showing my glucose levels. This setup allows my partner and I to monitor my levels without constantly looking at my phone which helps me avoid unnecessary distractions.

The data technology provides is very empowering. I’m fortunate to have been diagnosed with diabetes when access to modern technology was available. I’m very grateful to have the subsidies we have in Australia, but pump technology is expensive and still out of reach for many people.

As someone who is passionate about technology – I host a podcast interviewing people about science, technology, engineering and maths, and all the amazing and inspiring things that they do – I find it frustrating seeing new innovations being available overseas while they have yet to be approved in Australia.

It has been a very long journey.

I was initially diagnosed with gestational diabetes, but I mostly ignored it as my (infrequently tested) blood parameters did not show anything alarming.

I later moved to New Zealand but was carrying a lot of weight and regularly indulging in secret eating. It was at this point I needed to go on to tablets and they helped for a while. It wasn’t until 2009 when retinopathy started to rear its ugly head and the HbA1c climbed to an alarming 9 that I paid heed to what my symptoms were telling me.

I was under considerable personal and professional pressure at the time but more cognisant of where things were going wrong. I took the decision to go on to insulin injections and quite soon thereafter went on to receive intraocular injections in my eyes as well.

On my return to Australia I decided to travel my own path rather than follow all the well-meaning, but often stigmatising, advice thrown at me.

I clearly remember the day when I was watching television and my husband, a medical specialist, asked me why I was breathing so heavily. He wondered aloud as to whether it could be attributed to my excess weight.

I broke apart and yelled at him: “What would you know? All your medical know-how and patients with comorbidities should give you the kind of insight you need to be a husband to me and understand what goes on with me.”

He quietly came and sat in front of me, took my hands in his and simply said: “How can I help?”

Strange but these words changed my life… I told him I wanted to make my own decisions, design my own diet, and have my own exercise regime. His role would be to provide a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen with, and to give advice, when asked.

My journey took a dramatic turn that day. Over the next few months I lost 15 kgs through walking and eating half portions (I would literally serve myself and then remove half of what I took). I had stomach pains but I kept myself too busy to care. Every kilo lost equated to a unit less of insulin. My HBA1c came down dramatically to 6.2. I then had an operation to remove the excess skin around my abdomen and lost another 6-7 kgs. The following year I lost another 10 kgs. Wow, 35 kgs lighter! I went from walking 1.6 kilometers in 30 minutes to 5.8 kilometers in an hour.

I have managed to keep most of the weight off but inevitably about five kilos has made it back.

Through my journey I discovered that my body reacts differently to different foods and my glucose levels vary not just with food intake, but the lack of it too. A reliable CGM would be invaluable as an aid to motivate and keep those glucose levels steady but the lack of funding makes it prohibitive.

CGM is something that is potentially lifesaving for people who want to manage their blood glucose to as near normal without risking hypoglycaemic episodes. The costs are currently prohibitive and there is no help for people with type 2 diabetes or people who deal with hypoglycaemia to gain access to these.

I can no longer closely monitor my glucose as my fingers are sore and the will to constantly check wanes. I often wake up with lows and have to take glucose which inevitably leads to me feeling unwell for the whole day.

Being able to access CGM would be huge. It would mean I could more closely monitor my glucose levels and titrate the insulin dose without needing to bother my GP, and function better overall.