THE diabetes community is calling for better access to life-changing diabetes technologies, making submissions to the 2026-27 Federal Budget pushing for subsidies aimed at those at greatest risk of complications.
Backed by peak diabetes, research and lived experience organisations, the submissions stated that investing in effective diabetes management technologies is one of the most powerful ways to reduce the wider personal and economic impacts of this condition.
The submissions urge the Australian Government to expand subsidies for automated insulin delivery (AID) systems for people living with type 1 diabetes, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for people living with type 2 diabetes and other types of diabetes, through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
Diabetes costs the Australian health system an estimated $14.2 billion annually, with costs forecast to increase to $45 billion by 2050.
However, modelling shows that more affordable access to insulin pumps and CGM devices would deliver long-term savings to the health system by reducing preventable complications and hospitalisations.
Diabetes Australia's group CEO Justine Cain said CGM devices and AID systems are now the standard of care.
"These technologies aren't a 'nice to have', they are absolutely necessary," Cain said.
"Right now, we're seeing a widening gap between what we know works and what people can afford - cost should never determine whether someone can access lifechanging care."
Cain explained the technology has benefits for people at all life stages, from children on school camps and women planning a healthy pregnancy, to older people who can maintain independence and avoid hospital submissions.
"These technologies provide real-time insights and precise insulin adjustments that dramatically reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and limb amputations.
"But for too many Australians, they are simply unaffordable."
Priority groups for subsidised devices include children and young adults under 21, people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those planning pregnancy or pregnant.
"This is an important policy conversation that can deliver meaningful change for people living with diabetes, and we welcome the opportunity to work constructively with government and partners across the sector to take it forward," Cain concluded. KB
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