Patients and clinicians reject claims that diabetes devices put lives at risk

The Australian Diabetes Society (ADS), alongside people living with diabetes and their carers, has criticised a mainstream media investigation, aired during National Diabetes Week, that questioned the safety of diabetes technology.

The controversy follows a report involving Insulet’s Omnipod insulin pump, which allegedly delivered excessive insulin while a patient was asleep, resulting in a life-threatening episode. The investigation also scrutinised the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval and surveillance processes, noting that 24 serious adverse event reports have been recorded globally, while no deaths associated with these devices have been reported in Australia.

Despite this context, the news story generated strong reactions from patients and carers.

“As a mum of a young adult who lives with type 1 and has been using an insulin pump and Dexcom CGM [continuous glucose monitor] for nine years now, these devices are life-changing. They give peace of mind, reduce anxiety, keep him more in range, and most importantly, safe and let him live his life to the fullest,” said Sonia. “This scaremongering and the timing of it during National Diabetes Week is poor form.”

Diabetes now costs Australia an estimated $17.6 billion annually, with more than 1.5 million Australians living with diagnosed diabetes, including approximately 1.3 million people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). While many Australians living with type 1 diabetes can already access subsidised CGM technology through the NDSS, other high-need populations continue to miss out despite strong clinical evidence supporting broader equitable access.

Professor Sof Andrikopoulos, Group CEO of the Australian Diabetes Society, highlighted the daily realities of living with diabetes technology.

“I wore an insulin pump and CGM for a week to get a small understanding of what it is like to wear technology,” Professor Andrikopoulos reflected. “It was eye-opening! Clothes, showering, sleeping, going to the toilet! Alarms…at inconvenient times. I admire and am in awe of all people with diabetes.”

Currently, only 28% of Australians with T2D achieve recommended glycaemic targets, creating an elevated risk of acute and chronic complications, driving health deterioration and health system costs. Evidence supporting CGM adoption continues to grow, with use associated with an average absolute HbA1c reduction of 1.4% and improvements in time-in-range from 46% to 73%.

The technology safety debate has emerged while frustration mounts over the lack of funding in the May Federal Budget following the government’s delayed response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes.

A recent report funded by Abbott argues that continued restrictions on CGM access is transferring costs onto Australians living with diabetes, hospitals and an already overstretched healthcare system. The report estimates that limited access contributes to approximately 15,720 potentially avoidable hospitalisations each year, with associated hospital costs exceeding $110 million annually.

Professor Andrikopoulos rejected suggestions that diabetes technologies represent a threat to patients.

“The tech is not designed to cause harm. In fact the intent is the complete opposite! The TGA approves devices that are safe and effective – to suggest otherwise is simply not true,” stated Professor Andrikopoulos. “The story by 60 minutes is salacious, sensationalist journalism that serves no purpose. It’s disappointing. Scaring people that their device will harm them is not helpful for anyone.”

The controversy surrounding insulin delivery devices coincides with a recent safety recall involving Insulet’s Omnipod 5 and Omnipod DASH pods following identification of a manufacturing defect. Insulet has confirmed the cause of the issue has been addressed and that affected patients are being contacted to arrange replacement devices.

“My daughter and I both have the dexcom and insulin pump Omnipod and it’s been life changing. There has been a couple that have not worked or failed, but has definitely not been life-threatening. The only thing that could be life threatening with these diabetic devices that save lives, is the cost of them!” said Michelle.

While safety monitoring remains a critical responsibility for regulators and manufacturers, diabetes advocates argue that the broader conversation must not lose sight of the millions of people who depend on these medical technologies daily and the potential consequences of discouraging their use without balanced clinical context.

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