The diabetes sector across Australia has come together to call for better access to life-changing diabetes technologies.
Ahead of the National Diabetes Summit in March, the community has made two submissions to the 2026-27 Federal Budget seeking affordable access to diabetes technologies for those who face the greatest risk of complications.
Diabetes is the gateway to 57 other chronic conditions including kidney and cardiovascular disease. Investing in effective diabetes management technologies is one of the most powerful ways to reduce the wider personal and economic impacts of this condition.
The joint submissions, supported by peak diabetes, research and lived experience organisations, urge the Australian Government to expand subsidies for Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people living with type 1 diabetes in priority groups and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for people living with type 2 diabetes and other types of diabetes in priority groups, through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
Together, Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society, Breakthrough T1D, Diabetes WA, Diabetes Victoria, Diabetes SA, Healthy Living NT and the Australia and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes are proposing practical, targeted reforms that would improve technology affordability, equity and access.
Diabetes costs the Australian health system an estimated $14.2 billion annually, with costs forecast to increase to $45 billion by 2050.
The submissions’ modelling shows that more affordable access to insulin pumps and CGM devices would deliver long-term savings to the health system by reducing preventable complications and hospitalisations.
Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain said CGM devices and AID systems are now the standard of care.
“These technologies aren’t a ‘nice to have’, they are absolutely necessary,” Ms Cain said.
“Right now, we’re seeing a widening gap between what we know works and what people can afford. Cost should never determine whether someone can access life‑changing care.
“Technology helps children feel safe at school or on camp. It helps women plan a healthy pregnancy with confidence. For families, it can mean finally sleeping through the night without setting alarms to check glucose levels. For older Australians, it helps to maintain independence and avoid hospital admissions
“These technologies provide real-time insights and precise insulin adjustments that dramatically reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and limb amputations.
“But for too many Australians, they are simply unaffordable.
“This is an important policy conversation that can deliver meaningful change for people living with diabetes, and we welcome the opportunity to work constructively with government and partners across the sector to take it forward,” Ms Cain said.
The submission on AID subsidies recommends expanding funding for insulin pumps to enable AID systems for 38,000 Australians living with type 1 diabetes in priority groups including children and young adults under 21, people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those planning pregnancy or pregnant. The proposed investment is $298.95 million over four years. Should it continue to be adopted in future years, the program is projected to deliver $4.28 billion in net benefits by 2066.
The Australian government already subsidises access to CGM devices for people living with type 1 diabetes. This submission recommends expanding subsidies for CGM to make the devices more affordable for 16,000 people with type 2 and other forms of insulin-treated diabetes in priority groups. They include people on intensive insulin regimens for type 2 diabetes who are healthcare card holders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people under 21 years of age, and women planning pregnancy through to six months post birth. The submission also recommends subsidies for adults with rare types of insulin-requiring diabetes that are similar to type 1 diabetes.
The proposed investment in CGM subsidies is $106.48 million over four years. Should it continue to be adopted in future years, the program is projected to deliver $1.3 billion in net benefits by 2066, which is a $2.69 return for every dollar invested.
With 2 million Australians living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, the community believes evidence-based technology delivered through the trusted NDSS infrastructure offers a responsible, forward-looking investment in better health outcomes for individuals, the health system and the nation.
Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society
“Diabetes is a key driver of health inequity in Australia. Investment in these life changing technologies will save money in the long run and improve health outcomes for those most at risk.”
Dr Matthew Hare, President, ADIPS
Australian Diabetes Society
“Equitable and affordable access to diabetes-management technology is critical to providing effective care for people with diabetes and the cornerstone of advocacy for the Australian Diabetes Society. These budget submissions are the first step to technology access for all Australians living with diabetes.”
Sof Andrikopoulos, CEO, ADS
Australian Diabetes Educators Association
“Expanding subsidies for diabetes technology must go hand in hand with investment in the diabetes workforce. As outlined in the joint submissions, funding dedicated consultations with Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs), alongside national training and coordinated referral pathways, will maximise clinical outcomes, strengthen workforce productivity and ensure the health system is ready for increased uptake of AID systems and CGM.”
Melanie Morris, CEO, ADEA
Breakthrough T1D Australia
“AID systems represent the standard of care for people living with type 1 diabetes. They enable optimal condition management, improve quality of life, and deliver meaningful cost savings to the public health system. We’ve seen the transformative impact of CGM subsidisation, with more than 70% of Australians living with type 1 diabetes now using this technology. We are so grateful to the Government for this, and we want to see similar access to insulin pumps, which are currently used by just 30% of the community.
“The future we envision is one where no Australian affected by type 1 diabetes has to weigh up cost when deciding whether to access life-saving technology.”
Sydney Yovic, CEO, Breakthrough T1D.
Australia & New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology in Diabetes (ANZSPED)
“ANZSPED supports these targeted proposals to expand access to Automated Insulin Delivery and continuous glucose monitoring through the NDSS, particularly for children, young people and other high-risk groups. These technologies represent contemporary standards of care that reduce clinical risk, ease the daily burden on families, and deliver long-term health system value by preventing avoidable complications and hospitalisations.”
Dr Tony Huynh, President, ANZSPED
Diabetes WA
“Diabetes WA is proud to stand by the side of West Australians living with diabetes and amplify their voices through this joint submission. Our commitment to this advocacy reflects our belief that diabetes technology is truly transformative when it is affordable and accessible.”
Melanie Gates, CEO, Diabetes WA
Diabetes SA
“What we are seeing is a widening gap between what we know works and what people can access. These technologies are not a luxury, they are essential. When people are priced out of care that we know prevents complications and hospital admissions, the system is failing.”
Catherine Hughes, CEO, Diabetes SA
Diabetes Victoria
“Treatment and technology should be affordable and easy to access for all people living with diabetes. We are proud to join with other diabetes organisations in the sector to advocate for this.”
Glen Noonan, CEO, Diabetes Victoria
Healthy Living NT
“Healthy Living NT is a strong advocate for equity in access to healthcare and this life-changing technology should be affordable and accessible across Australia to support people with diabetes.” Anne Kemp, CEO, Healthy Living NT
National Diabetes Summit
The National Diabetes Summit, to be held at Parliament House on 31 March, will provide an important platform for discussion about the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians, including the benefits of technology. The landmark summit will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to accelerate practical solutions and drive long-term policy change to strengthen the health system.
About Diabetes Australia
Diabetes Australia is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis, working in collaboration with people with lived experience, member organisations, peak bodies, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community. Our work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services, as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.
For information: Monica Rostron, Diabetes Australia – 0409 126 332
[email protected]
