Policymakers undergo diabetes health check as push for equitable access to medical technologies escalates

MedTech News: Policymakers at Parliament House underwent a comprehensive health check yesterday, including assessments for HbA1c, cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart health. This initiative was part of Diabetes Australia’s Unite in the Fight for Diabetes Tech campaign, which highlights a crucial disparity in diabetes care.

Since 2022, the Australian Government’s subsidy of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for individuals with type 1 diabetes has been a significant boon for the community, enhancing the lives of tens of thousands. However, a glaring inequity persists: while CGMs are subsidised for those with type 1 diabetes, individuals with type 2 diabetes, including those on insulin, are left out.

Further complicating the issue, many Australians who could benefit from insulin pumps are unable to access them due to the prohibitive cost of private health insurance. Consequently, numerous individuals with type 1 diabetes remain without this essential medical technology.

The recent Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, chaired by Dr Mike Freelander, has added momentum to this cause. The Committee’s report, released on 3 July 2024, asserts that “ensuring better access to this technology for all Australians must be a priority. The Committee recognises that all patients with insulin-dependent diabetes have similar clinical needs and should thus be supported regardless of diabetes type.”

Justine Cain, Group CEO of Diabetes Australia, emphasised the urgency of a more inclusive approach to diabetes technology subsidies.

“Australia urgently needs a comprehensive approach to diabetes technology subsidies that would expand access, accelerate approvals, and ultimately improve health outcomes,” Cain stated.

She continued, “Investing in diabetes technologies is proven to improve health outcomes and economic outcomes. Research shows that these devices are game-changing in terms of managing blood glucose levels and improving time-in-range, which ultimately improves quality of life, reduces diabetes-related complications, and hospitalisations.”

The investment required to address these gaps is substantial but transformative. Extending CGM subsidies to those with type 2 diabetes is estimated at $70 million over four years, while expanding subsidies for insulin pumps would require $130 million over the same period.

However, a combined $200 million investment could yield significant benefits: up to 15,800 quality-adjusted life years for people with type 2 diabetes – valued between $590 million and $1.3 billion – and up to 59,500 quality-adjusted life years for those with type 1 diabetes – valued between $1.9 billion and $4.7 billion.

With over 1.5 million Australians living with diabetes, the need for equitable access to diabetes medical technologies is more pressing than ever. Notably, 65% of all cardiovascular-related deaths in Australia occur among individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes, underscoring the critical nature of this issue.

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