For people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), technology has transformed what is possible.
Today, automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are considered the global standard of care. By combining a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pump, and advanced algorithms, these systems automatically adjust insulin delivery to help keep blood glucose levels in range.
The evidence is clear. AID systems improve blood glucose management, reduce the burden of living with T1D, improve quality of life, reduce diabetes distress and are proven to be cost effective.
But while countries including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand have embraced this technology, Australia is falling behind.
The reason is simple: while CGMs are government subsidised thanks to Breakthrough T1D’s advocacy, insulin pumps remain out of reach for many Australians.
Access shouldn’t depend on your income
Government funding for CGMs has dramatically increased access to diabetes technology. But insulin pumps still rely on people being able to:
- purchase one outright at a cost of around $8,500
- maintain private health insurance with the right level of cover
- qualify for the limited Insulin Pump Program (IPP)
As a result, access to insulin pumps is increasingly determined by financial circumstances rather than clinical need.
Today, Australians living in high socioeconomic areas are around twice as likely to use an insulin pump as those living in lower socioeconomic areas.
This means the gap in health outcomes continues to widen. Those who can access the best available technology are benefiting from better health and fewer complications, while many others are being left behind.
The Insulin Pump Program makes a difference – but it reaches too few people
Since 2008, the Australian Government has funded the Insulin Pump Program, helping children and young people under 21 who meet financial and medical eligibility criteria access an insulin pump.
For families who receive support, the impact can be life changing.
Chloe, mum to Felix, diagnosed with T1D aged 2I no longer have to drag my son from under the table several times a day while he screams so I can give him insulin. It has absolutely decreased the stress and strain on the entire family."
However, the program provides only 395 pumps each year and is limited to eligible people under the age of 21.
For many families, turning 21 creates a new challenge.
As Jocelyn, whose son Sydney was diagnosed with T1D at just two years old, explains:
Jocelyn, mum to Sydney, diagnosed with T1D aged 2My son was able to access an insulin pump through the IPP three years ago. This has been life changing. As an Indigenous family in regional Queensland, we have no other means of affording such vital care.
Now, I face an unimaginable fear: what happens when he turns 21? I can't afford a pump, and I am terrified that my son won't survive as a young adult with a chronic illness. This keeps me awake at night."
No one should lose access to life-changing technology simply because they have a birthday.
Expanding pump access makes economic sense
Improving access isn’t just the right thing to do – it also makes financial sense.
Analysis included in Diabetes Australia’s Federal Budget submission found that the long-term savings from expanding access to automated insulin delivery systems outweigh the upfront investment by more than three times, largely because of fewer hospitalisations and better long-term diabetes management.
Investing in insulin pumps is an investment that improves lives while reducing pressure on Australia’s healthcare system.
#PushForPumps – a practical path forward
Breakthrough T1D endorsed the sectoral ask outlined in Diabetes Australia’s pre-budget submission for expanded insulin pump access for all Australians with T1D. And we still do. However, our #PushForPumps campaign proposes the government consider a gradual expansion of access to pumps for people with T1D, commencing with those who have the greatest unmet needs, similar to the introduction of CGMs.
This staged approach would improve equity while delivering meaningful health and economic benefits, while it is scaled up to ensure that nobody is left behind.
Help us make insulin pumps accessible for everyone
For too many Australians, the technology that represents the global standard of care remains financially out of reach.
We’ve made enormous progress with CGMs. Now it’s time to finish the job.
If you would like to add your voice to the call for expanded access to insulin pumps, you can contact our advocacy team at [email protected]
