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Unite for tech
Technology has transformed the way diabetes can be managed.
But for many West Australians, access still depends on what they can afford — not what they need.
Unite for Tech is a national campaign supported by Diabetes WA and the broader diabetes sector, calling for fairer access to modern diabetes technologies.
As the peak body for diabetes in Western Australia, we are amplifying the voices of our community.
Why this campaign matters
Across WA, we are hearing consistent messages:
- Families making major financial sacrifices to access insulin pumps
- Adults with type 1 diabetes unable to afford Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems
- People with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes missing out on Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
- Women planning pregnancy facing intense monitoring without funded technology support
- Regional and remote communities experiencing additional barriers
These are not isolated stories.
What is being proposed?
The national diabetes sector has made two key recommendations to the Australian Government:
Subsidised access to insulin pumps
Subsidise insulin pumps to increase access to Automatic Insulin Delivery (AID) systems, through the NDSS to an eligible population of 38,000 people with type 1 diabetes at a cost of $298.95 million over four years, from 2027 to 2030.
Expanded subsidised access to Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Subsidise continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), through the NDSS, to an eligible population of 16,000 people with type 2 diabetes and ‘other’ forms of diabetes who require multiple daily insulin injections or are planning pregnancy, at a cost of $106.48 million over four years from 2027-2030.
These proposals aim to improve affordability, equity and long-term health outcomes. Diabetes WA supports these recommendations as part of a united national sector response.
What we are hearing in Western Australia
What people have told us:
- Setting alarms through the night
- Managing hundreds of health decisions every day
- The mental load of constant calculations
- The cost of private health insurance to access pumps
- The strain on families in regional and remote areas
Health professionals tell us:
- Modern technology improves time-in-range and reduces hypoglycaemia
- CGM supports safer pregnancies
- Real-time data strengthens telehealth and remote care
- The biggest barrier is affordability
As WA’s peak body, we ensure these lived experiences are heard by those who make policy decisions
Our role in Unite for Tech
✔ Represent the voices of West Australians living with diabetes
✔ Work collaboratively with national partners
✔ Advocate respectfully and constructively
✔ Bring a WA lens to national decision-making
Read the full recommendations
How you can be involved
You can:
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Share your story
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Write to your local Federal representative
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Support equitable access discussions in your workplace or community
Make your voice heard by joining the Diabetes WA Community Network
The Diabetes WA Community Network is more than just an association. It’s a hub for connection, collaboration and support. It’s a chance to work together to provide a collective voice to share your stories and advocate for your needs.