Next gen diabetes technology secures funding

MedTech News: In July 2022, the government announced a landmark expansion of subsidised access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and Flash glucose monitoring devices for people with type 1 diabetes. However, those who had been waiting for good news about the reimbursement of the Omnipod DASH System were left disappointed – until now.

Diabetes Australia welcomes the decision to add Insulet Australia’s Omnipod DASH insulin pods to the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), from 1 December, giving people with type 1 diabetes even more options to manage type 1 diabetes.

The Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System uses a tubeless, wearable and waterproof pod that is integrated with a small handheld Personal Diabetes Manager to provide calibrated delivery of insulin over a 72-hour period. The pods are disposable and replaced every three days. 

Patients have been paying over $400 per month for the pod and touchscreen device.  

Diabetes Australia Group CEO, Justine Cain, said “This is great news for people living with type 1 diabetes who choose to use the Omnipod DASH system to manage their diabetes. We’ve heard from many people living with type 1 diabetes that the Omnipod DASH system is convenient and helps ease the day-to-day burden of diabetes management. People living with diabetes have their own preferences and it is important they have affordable access to the diabetes technology that best suits their lifestyle.

“Diabetes Australia and the diabetes community have been advocating for the inclusion of Omnipod DASH on the NDSS and we are grateful that the government has listened. This will help ease the cost burden on people who were self-funding the pods.”

Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, said “Subsidising this next generation technology means freedom of choice for Australians with type 1 diabetes, as well as the freedom from wires and tubes.” 

Ms Cain added “I’d also like to thank Health Minister Mark Butler. It is clear Minister Butler is a Health Minister who understands diabetes and is committed to doing what he can to make living with the condition easier.

“When combined with the increased subsidisation for continuous and flash glucose monitors as of July 1 this year which was so well-received, the 130,000 Australians living with this condition can now better harness the full power of diabetes management technologies.”  

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