New research shows continuous glucose monitoring devices can dramatically reduce the risk of life-threatening diabetes-related complications including blindness, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure for people living with type 2 diabetes.

This National Diabetes Week (July 14-20), Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain has called for more affordable access to life changing technology such as CGM devices and insulin pumps, which are out of reach for many people.

Diabetes Australia Chief Medical Officer Professor David Simmons is a co-author on research presented at the American Diabetes Association conference earlier this month. It studied people with type 2 diabetes on intensive insulin therapy in Australia.

The analysis shows CGM would cost the Federal Government $14,000 per person over a lifetime, and massively reduce eye, renal, neuropathy, and cardiovascular complications of the condition by 17.7, 21.1, 8.7 and 2.5 per cent respectively.

Diabetes Australia is calling on the Federal Government to invest $200 million over four years in increased subsidies for CGM and insulin pumps.

“Over the past 100 years, advances in technology and medicines have delivered significant improvements in quality of life and health outcomes for people living with all types of diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“In 2022, the Federal Government implemented subsidised access to CGM devices for all people living with type 1 diabetes. This was a significant win for the type 1 diabetes community and has improved the lives of tens of thousands of Australians. But there’s more to be done.

“While some Australians living with diabetes can access technologies such as CGM devices and insulin pumps, they are just too expensive for many people.

“There are so many Australians struggling with the rising cost of living who are missing out on life changing and potentially lifesaving diabetes technology.

“This research shows investing in diabetes technologies is proven to improve health and economic outcomes. There is a body of evidence which shows that these devices are game-changing in terms of managing blood glucose levels and improving time-in-range, which ultimately reduces diabetes complications and hospitalisations, and also improves quality of life.  

“If we can reduce the number of people who develop diabetes related complications like stroke, heart attack, blindness and kidney disease, we could reduce the economic burden on our health system by billions of dollars each year. This would also significantly improve the lives of people living with diabetes,” she said.

A new policy paper, released by Diabetes Australia earlier this week, outlines the steps needed to create more affordable access to CGM devices and insulin pumps for people with all types of diabetes.

The paper includes economic modelling that shows a $200 million package of investment would support nearly 40,000 people living with diabetes to access these technologies, prioritising those with greatest need.

This initially includes insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes who are:

• under 21 years of age;
• over 21 years of age with a health care card; or
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The proposal also includes CGM devices for people living with type 2 and other types of diabetes who are:

• pregnant;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
• under the age of 21; or
• requiring multiple daily injections of insulin.

Professor Simmons said CGM was a cost-effective intervention to improve quality of life and reduce hospitalisations.

“CGM reduces hospital-type events, such as dialysis, and other things by improving glucose levels and monitoring.

“It not only improves quality of life but the length of life as well. As an advocate for people with diabetes, and someone looking at cost-effectiveness and hospital workloads, I think it is a win-win-win.”

John Davies, 55, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about six years ago. A heavy vehicle operator, John’s condition was extremely serious when eventually diagnosed and he was told by doctors in emergency that he had probably lived with diabetes for many years.

“I’ve been on insulin since I was diagnosed but I couldn’t bring my glucose levels back into a healthy range. Flash glucose monitoring (a type of CGM) has changed my life and health,” John said.

“I understand a lot more about what affects my glucose levels now, especially with my food choices, so I know what to do to be healthier.”

“I fully support the Federal Government helping us to access this technology. It helped me a lot.”

On July 3 a report was tabled in Parliament following the conclusion of a Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, chaired by Dr Mike Freelander MP.

The report recommends the expansion of subsidised access to CGM devices and insulin pumps.