Diabetes Australia representatives are in Federal Parliament this week calling on both sides of politics to commit to funding equitable access to diabetes technologies during the upcoming Federal Election.
Expanding subsidies for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices will ensure Australians living with all types of diabetes have access to the technology they need to live well.
With more than 1.5 million Australians living with diabetes, and projections indicating that number will exceed 3.1 million by 2050, the need for affordable access to this technology has never been greater.
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices (CGMs) and Insulin Pumps change, and save, lives.
“Not only do they enhance quality of life, research shows that they also reduce hospital admissions, and prevent long-term complications such as heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure.
“Yet, despite their life-saving potential, many Australians living with diabetes simply can’t afford these technologies,” Ms Cain said.
“The cost-of-living crisis is placing immense pressure on Australians living with diabetes, forcing many to choose between essential medical technology and basic necessities. No one should have to make that choice.”
Diabetes Australia is urging the Federal Government and the Opposition to commit $200 million over four years to expand subsidised access to diabetes technologies for those who would benefit the most.
“We’re grateful that the Federal Government has expanded CGM subsidies for all Australians with type 1 diabetes in recent years; however, we still have a long way to go,” Ms Cain said.
“People with type 2 diabetes requiring multiple daily insulin injections are still denied subsidised CGM access, despite clear evidence of improved health outcomes and cost savings for the healthcare system.
“At the same time, thousands of Australians living with type 1 diabetes are unable to afford insulin pumps, with private health insurance being the only viable pathway for many. That’s an expensive option that remains out of reach for some people.”
The recent Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes unequivocally supported the expansion of diabetes technology subsidies, stating that “ensuring better access to this technology for all Australians must be a priority”.
Research has shown that insulin pumps and CGM technology significantly improve blood glucose management, reducing the risk of severe hypoglycaemia, improving time-in-range, and ultimately leads to fewer diabetes-related complications.
The economic case is just as strong: expanding access will reduce emergency department visits, ambulance callouts, and hospitalisations, providing long-term savings for Australia’s healthcare system.
Diabetes Australia’s proposed reforms will prioritise:
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; and
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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; and
- requiring multiple daily injections of insulin.
Ms Cain said the time for action is now because no Australian should be left behind.
“Diabetes does not discriminate based on income, postcode, or background, so why should access to life-saving technology?” Ms Cain said.
“We urge policymakers to commit to the $200 million investment outlined in our Position Statement, ensuring that every Australian has equitable access to the diabetes technology they need to lead healthier, fuller lives.”
