Type 1 diabetes costs the Australian economy $2.9 billion dollars a year according to a new report released by JDRF Australia. However, increased access to diabetes technology and treatments could help reduce that cost significantly.

The report found that the economic impact could be reduced by 14% through expanded access to diabetes technology, including glucose monitoring systems, and new treatments.

Diabetes Australia’s CEO, Professor Greg Johnson says continuous glucose monitors can give people with diabetes much more information about trends and changes in their glucose levels to help them keep them within range.

“Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can help prevent or reduce the very serious impact of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels and, in rare cases, potential for loss of consciousness and coma) and also the fear and anxiety associated with these risks,” Professor Johnson said.

“This has short- and long-term health benefits including reducing the likelihood of debilitating and costly complications like eye damage, limb amputation, kidney disease or heart failure.”

The impact type 1 diabetes has on people living with the condition and their families can be significant. About 40% of people with type 1 diabetes develop complications such as blindness, amputation, neuropathy, or cardiovascular disease and 14% will present to hospital with low or high glucose levels.

The lifetime cost of type 1 diabetes for people with complications is $738,000 and highlights the importance of early intervention to prevent health problems from developing.

Access to potential life-saving technologies and new treatments could save up to $174,000 per person by preventing additional complications.

“Type 1 diabetes is challenging for health systems in Australia and worldwide. This report shows that we need to continue to focus on finding a cure, better treatment and prevention strategies and good access to technologies,” said Professor Johnson.

You can read the full report here.

Key points

· Type 1 diabetes costs the Australian economy $2.9 billion dollars a year.

· Increased access to diabetes technology and treatments can reduce that cost signifcantly.

· 40% of people with type 1 diabetes develop complications such as blindness, amputation or cardiovascular disease.

· Lifetime cost of type 1 diabetes with complications $738,000.