Almost 90% of people living with type 1 diabetes say the condition has a negative impact on their quality of life, with eye and kidney problems the most feared complications, in a report by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The report surveyed people from the type one diabetes community to measure their attitudes and behaviours of what it’s like living with the condition.

Forty percent of people said romantic relationships were affected and thirty percent said their career choices were limited because of their type 1 diabetes. At least a third of people say no to a spur of the moment event at least once a month because of no supplies, or they are worried it will be hard to manage.

The cost burden continues to be a big barrier for people living with diabetes with seven in ten people saying they can’t afford a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) device. A CGM is a small wearable device that monitors glucose levels automatically.

Diabetes Australia CEO, Professor Greg Johnson says he continues to work with the government to ensure every person with diabetes who needs access to a CGM receives it.

“It’s a continually changing world with new devices, upgrades and connectivity all developing rapidly. It is important that there is affordable access to diabetes technologies that can help change and save lives,” Professor Johnson said.

People with type 1 diabetes are on average $257 a month out of pocket with nearly all people reporting it was a financial burden to keep up with equipment, medical visits, medication and other incidentals to do with managing diabetes.

People with type 1 diabetes over 21 with a valid concession card receive free access to glucose monitoring devices, a change announced by the Federal Government in March last year.

About half of all people with type 1 diabetes in Australia now have free access to CGM’s. However, everyone else must pay full price for a CGM and other consumables such as sensors and transmitters.

The report hopes to raise awareness to giving access to technology for everyone with type 1 diabetes who needs it.

You can read the full report here

Key findings

• 70% of people with diabetes can’t afford a CGM
• 87% of people with diabetes reported experiencing a negative quality of life because of diabetes
• $257 is the average out of pocket expenses each month
• 40% said diabetes negatively on romantic relationships
• 30% said diabetes impacts negatively on career choices