‘Game-changer’ technology could save babies’ lives
The lives of dozens of babies could be saved each year if the federal government funded a key technology to help diabetics manage their insulin levels, a leading global expert says.
UK-based professor Helen Murphy, whose work persuaded the British government to expand access to automatic insulin pumps, said Australia should consider doing the same, especially for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.
“It’s a very simple thing,” he told AAP.
Many diabetics rely either on an insulin pump or manual injections, but must calculate the exact insulin dosage, sometimes several times a day.
Automated insulin delivery systems, or AIDs, combine an insulin pump with a glucose monitor and use complex algorithms to calculate insulin doses.
Prof Murphy, whose trip to Australia was funded by medical device company Ypsomed, said the technology was a “game changer” because it allowed diabetics to better manage their blood sugar levels.
“Right now… with almost every bite they eat, every activity they do, they have to constantly make these mental calculations, and honestly, they are incredibly difficult,” he said.
However, access to AIDs in Australia is quite limited, largely due to cost.
Insulin pumps, a key part of the system, can cost between $6,000 and $8,000, according to advocacy group Diabetes Australia.
The federal government offers subsidies but only for Australians under 21.
A government spokesperson said the State of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia was considering the recommendations of the 2024 report. has a proud history of providing services to Australians living with the Insulin Pump Program.”
Prof Murphy, who studied in Australia and New Zealand, persuaded the UK government to make AIDs more accessible in 2023.
“The data was very compelling, the clinical benefits were very strong, and the cost savings were achieved,” he said.
The 2024 parliamentary inquiry, chaired by Labor MP Mike Freelander, called on the government to consider expanding access to Australians over 40 as a first step before opening eligibility to all age groups.
Prof Murphy said allowing people under 40 to access subsidized pumps would be a smart step forward because the cost of the policy would be offset by the reduced pressure on the healthcare system.
It would particularly benefit pregnant women, whose unborn children are highly sensitive to any changes in blood sugar levels, he said.
“Women living with type 1 diabetes are three to four times more likely to have their babies die and are nearly twice as likely to have babies with major birth defects,” the endocrinologist said.
The policy change is estimated to save the lives of 80 to 100 babies each year in the UK.
Although data for Australia is scant, Prof Murphy suggested 40 to 50 babies a year could be saved if the measure was implemented here.
The issue will be discussed at a meeting in Melbourne on Tuesday involving patient and diabetes advocacy groups, doctors and medical companies.
Dr. for advice. The offices of Freelander and Health Minister Mark Butler were contacted.
