Diabetes Australia has announced a new funding program to support research into life-changing diabetes technologies.  

The Diabetes Technology Research Accelerator Grant program has been designed to fast-track the development of new diabetes technologies by connecting medical technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries with academics and clinicians. 

Visiting world-leading diabetes technology research at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said advances in diabetes technologies have transformed diabetes management and positively changed the lives of millions of people. 

“We will be investing seed funding of $250,000 in this research funding program that will create real solutions for people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said. 

“But we can’t do it alone. We want to amplify our funding commitment, with a call for matched funding from industry partners. We are calling on industry to help us generate $1 million to spear-head this initiative and create real change. 

“Australia is home to some of the world’s foremost researchers, pioneers and experts in the development of diabetes technologies, and nowhere is that more obvious than right here at St Vincent’s Hospital where they are at the absolute cutting-edge of diabetes technology research.” 

Professor David O’Neal, a Senior Endocrinologist at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, and his colleagues are focused on the significance of Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people with type 1 diabetes – a project funded by Diabetes Australia* and the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations. 

AID systems continuously monitor glucose levels and then provide rapid acting insulin to keep those levels within the target range. 

“Research is showing us how this technology makes it easier for a person to manage their glucose levels and improve their quality of life,” Professor O’Neal said. 

Ms Cain said despite the life changing benefits of AID technology, many people with type 1 diabetes are unable to afford an insulin pump, which is a critical part of the system.  

“People shouldn’t miss out on important health care just because they can’t afford it, so we are also calling on the Federal Government to expand subsidies for insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes,” Ms Cain said.  

William Heather, 55, from Hopper’s Crossing, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his 20s and developed chronic kidney disease. Use of an AID system has changed his life. 

“I couldn’t believe the difference the insulin pump made. My wife and I decided to take out a bank loan to buy a pump because I couldn’t imagine trying to manage my diabetes without it,” Willy, a storeman, said. 

“I got very lucky. A charity came to my rescue and helped me access a pump. It’s the best health I’ve had since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. 

“My kidney disease has now stabilised. I’d been told before the insulin pump that I’d need dialysis in two years but things are looking much more hopeful now.”  

* In 2022 $150,000 in grant funding was provided under the Diabetes Australia Millennium Award – Type 1 to Professor O’Neal from St Vincent’s Hospital for the project, Glucose Control with a Hybrid Closed Loop System in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes and Advanced Renal Disease.