Affordable access to diabetes technology is life changing and life saving. That’s why Diabetes Australia is continuing to advocate to the Federal Government for fairer access to insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes.

We recently joined with Australian diabetes organisations in writing to Dr Mike Freelander MP (Chair of Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport) urging the government to ensure all Australians living with type 1 diabetes can afford insulin pump therapy.

Across the world, countries are investing in this important technology.

New Zealand is undertaking consultation on a proposal that would see a range of devices funded for New Zealanders with type 1 diabetes, including insulin pumps. They are also proposing to simplify the access criteria for insulin pumps.

In the UK, NHS England is providing local health systems with 2.5 million pounds to expand access to hybrid closed loop systems (also known as an artificial pancreas). The mass rollout builds on a successful pilot of the technology and will prioritise people living with type 1 diabetes who are: pregnant; have a HbA1C over 7.5%; and children/young people under 18 years of age.

As other countries expand their investment in this important technology, it’s more important than ever that Australians living with type 1 diabetes are not left behind.

Diabetes Australia is strongly advocating for affordable access to diabetes technologies like insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes, as well as continuous glucose monitors for people living with type 2 diabetes.

Insulin pumps are battery-operated electronic devices about the size of a small mobile phone that can deliver background (basal) and meal-based (bolus) insulin. They have been shown to help people keep blood glucose levels within a target range and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

However, despite their clear health benefit they are expensive and unaffordable for many. Only around 24% of people living with type 1 diabetes are currently able to access this technology. This is significantly lower than in comparable countries including the United States where an estimated 63% of adults and 58% of children and young people use an insulin pump to manage type 1 diabetes.