Advocates urge phased implementation of AID technology for T1D care

The impact of T1D on individuals’ and families’ lives is extensive, the associated health complications of type 1 diabetes place a high cost on individuals, families, governments and the economy.

In 2020, T1D cost $2.9 billion through healthcare costs, reduced wellbeing, lower employment and additional care. Emerging treatment options and technologies can reduce the cost of T1D. Access to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and pump technologies can minimise the risk of complications and emergencies.

However, Australia’s current funding model excludes most people with T1D from accessing AID, highlighting a critical issue in healthcare equity. Compared to other developed nations, Australia falls short in providing accessible AID systems. The technology significantly enhances quality of life, improves glucose levels, reduces diabetes-related complications, and proves cost-effective for healthcare systems.

Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems have been proven to reduce the mental burden of managing T1D, alleviate the negative impacts that T1D has on quality of life, and increase the proportion of people achieving the recommended glucose ranges known to reduce the risk of complications amongst people with T1D from all backgrounds. They are an equaliser in the management of T1D and are a cost-effective investment for health systems.

The Omnipod^® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System is Australia’s first and only tubeless, automated, and waterproof^† insulin delivery device that has received Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval (ARTG Number: 455009). Never before will Australian’s have the choice of a device that monitors sensor glucose results from an automated insulin delivery system and the freedom of a tubeless device. This is an important new addition to Automated Insulin delivery systems in Australia. However like many other systems, once available, Australians may not be able to access due to the current funding model limitations.

“Affordable access to Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) is crucial for all Australians living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). It is time to prioritise equitable AID access for all people with T1D,” emphasises diabetes and health advocate Renza Scibilia. “This is not solely a matter of research but a fundamental equity issue affecting the daily lives, emotional wellbeing and health outcomes of people with T1D nationwide.”

A report following the recent Inquiry into Diabetes has been released with recommendations aiming to improve the prevention, management, and treatment of diabetes across Australia, addressing both healthcare delivery and public health policies. Specificially, Recommendation 16 stated, ‘The Australian Government should explore expanding subsidised access to insulin pumps for all Australians with Type 1 diabetes. A gradual increase, such as expanding access to those aged 40 and under, would be useful as an initial step. It was recognised that insulin pumps are vital for the optimal management of diabetes and recommended that all Australians living with T1D should have equitable access to these devices.

“After rallying support from the broader diabetes community, it’s clear there’s a strong appetite to tackle this crucial issue. Every Australian with T1D should have affordable access to an AID system, no matter their age, financial situation, or postcode,” says Dr Ben Nash, Endocrinologist living with T1D. “The evidence is clear. AID is the standard of care for people with T1D. Yet, it remains out of reach for the majority. It’s time for this to change.”

Dr Ben Nash and Renza Scibilia along with a consultation group of Australians living with T1D and a group of diabetes organisations have put forward their own recommendations to the federal government to push for the equitable access to AID for Australians living with T1D. The recommendations are every Australian with T1D should have access to an AID system regardless of circumstance, expanded access that allows individual choice of AID system and a phased implementation strategy for AID technology to ensure equitable access over time and prevent worsening health disparities.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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