Diabetes sector calls on Federal Government to urgently expand access to diabetes technology
A group of 10 diabetes organisations across Australia has delivered two Federal Budget Submissions, recommending the government expand eligibility for subsidised Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for type 2 and ‘other types’ of diabetes, and subsidise Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people living with type 1 Diabetes.
Join the Movement: Advocate for Access to Diabetes Technology
While more than 400,000 Victorians live with diabetes, many are unable to access these lifechanging, and sometimes lifesaving, technologies due to upfront and ongoing costs.
The two national proposals demonstrate that targeted investment in diabetes technology would significantly improve health outcomes while reducing long-term health system costs.
The proposals show:
- Expanding CGM access to 16,000 Australians with type 2 and other forms of diabetes would cost $106.48 million over four years and deliver an estimated $1.13 billion in long-term societal benefit.
- Improving access to AID systems for 38,000 Australians with type 1 diabetes would cost $298.95 million, with projected net benefits of $4.28 billion over time.
CGM devices can cost people living with diabetes between $2,000 and $4,000 per year, pricing out many Victorians who need them.
Diabetes Victoria CEO Glen Noonan says all Victorians living with diabetes deserve affordable access to quality treatment and technologies.
“We know these technologies can help people more effectively manage diabetes and lead to better health outcomes,” he says.
“Treatment and technology should be affordable and easy to access for all people living with diabetes. We are proud to unite with other leading organisations in the diabetes sector to advocate for this.”
Join the Movement: Advocate for Access to Diabetes Technology
Britt Denton
Communications and Media Lead
Brittany Denton is the Communications and Media Lead at Diabetes Victoria. She oversees media relations and communications, contributing to the organisation’s mission of supporting people with diabetes across the state.
