Diabetes advocates urge timely access to latest medtech

MedTech News: West Australians affected by type 1 diabetes have urged authorities to prioritise access to the latest insulin delivery system at a community meeting at the Australian Institute of Management in Floreat Perth.

The meeting was hosted by the Federal Member for Curtin, Celia Hammond MP, and attended by the local diabetes community.

One of the key points of discussion was the Omnipod DASH System, which is currently available on the private market In Australia. The Omnipod DASH system is a tubeless, wearable and waterproof insulin management system launched locally. Despite its private launch and subsequent positive reviews from various parts of the Australian health system, users of the Omnipod DASH system are still waiting for the device to be reimbursed via the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).

Type 1 diabetes represents a $2.9 billion AUD annual cost to the economy, with findings that diabetes complications exponentially add to the price of managing type 1 diabetes. Technology makes a significant impact to reduce the risk associated with diabetes and helps control related complications in the day-to-day management of glucose and insulin levels.

Local WA resident with type 1 diabetes, Eliza Weir has been publicly advocating for better access to helpful diabetes management technologies. Ms Weir was keen to hear when the Omnipod DASH system would be made more accessible to the wider diabetes community.

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“With Omnipod DASH, I can live life completely normally and I don’t have a constant reminder that I am attached to a device by a cord. It has allowed my lifestyle to become more flexible, easier and manageable.” said Ms Weir.

Joanna Sader, Country Manager, Insulet Australia, told Health Industry Hub “Insulet is privileged to support this event and grateful to Ms Hammond for taking the time to listen to the challenges faced by people living with type 1 diabetes and what the Federal Government can do to improve access to diabetes technologies.

“The Minister for Health is very engaged and aware of the strong demand by the Australian type 1 diabetes community to have affordable and equitable access to the Omnipod DASH System. The Minister has directed his Department to consider funding options for the Omnipod through the NDSS.”

The Omnipod DASH system works in conjunction with the Bluetooth enabled Omnipod DASH Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM), allowing users to effectively manage their insulin levels in a discreet and simple manner. The system can carry up to three days of insulin delivery for users, helping to lessen the burden of daily insulin injections. By being reimbursed on the NDSS, the Omnipod DASH system will become more accessible and affordable to the wider diabetes community.