Want to learn more about the latest tech? Find out what you need to know at our next Type 1 Tech Night, where our diabetes educators cover the benefits, challenges and affordability of the latest tech and you can talk directly to representatives from the companies.
Diabetes technology is a big commitment, so you want to choose the most suitable model of CGM, smart insulin pen or insulin pump for your lifestyle and budget.
Our diabetes educators support people with all types of diabetes on the helpline and in the clinic. They can explain how the latest tech works and the differences between models to help you decide the right one for you.
Another way to get informed is at one of our regular Type 1 Tech Nights. You can meet our team, hear about the different options and leave feeling more confident about choosing the most suitable tech for your health needs and lifestyle.
We can answer questions about funding, health insurance and next steps, and you can talk directly with tech company representatives who join us on the night and see the various devices for yourself. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Choosing the right continuous glucose monitor
At a recent Tech Night, diabetes educator Tara Savage gave an overview of continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs.
First up was an explanation of how a CGM works – where the sensor sits on the skin, what data it captures and what extra information it provides that you can use to improve your diabetes management, such as an option to make diary notes within the linked app.
Tara then gave an overview of the TGA-approved and NDSS-subsidised CGMs and the questions to ask when choosing one, including:
- Is your phone compatible with the one you want to try?
- How often do you need to change the sensor?
- How often does the system give you the data?
- Is it compatible with an insulin pump?
- How easy is it to insert?
- Can you overtape if you need to, for sport etc?
- What alarms are available?
- What is the warm-up period?
Smart pens
Tara also covered smart insulin pens, which can track and log insulin doses, explained which devices these are compatible with and how to access them.
The latest in insulin pump technology
Insulin pumps have come a long way and are now more user-friendly, with 35% of people with type 1 diabetes in Western Australian currently using one.
Diabetes educator Narelle Lampard explained that while pumps are not fully automated, they are getting lighter and smarter to mirror the work of a pancreas and can reduce the burden of managing diabetes.
“Current pumps are hybrid closed loop, meaning you do still have to interact with the pump by telling it how many grams of carbohydrate you are having and administering insulin with meals for the best management of your blood glucose levels,” she said.
“In people without type 1 diabetes, when we eat our blood glucose levels rise, and the pancreas is triggered to release a burst of insulin. A pump emulates that process, working alongside a CGM and app to help you manage your diabetes.”
Starting on a pump can be stressful, but it gets easier, and most people find they love having a pump and wouldn’t go back. But it doesn’t have to be for life. You can start, see how you like it, and go back to injections if you want. It’s about managing your diabetes your way, how you want to.
There are many things to consider when choosing a pump. Some common questions include
- Tubed versus tubeless?
- Are the apps compatible with your phone and current CGM?
- Batteries versus charging?
- Do you give an insulin bolus via a phone app, separate controller device or directly on the pump?
- How big is the reservoir?
- What consumables (infusion sets/pods) does it use?
- What is the pump’s size and weight?
- Is it easy to navigate? Touch screen versus push button?
- Is it waterproof?
- How does the algorithm work when calculating blood glucose targets?
- Does it have special features, for example sleep mode, activity mode or a custom food list?
- What technical assistance is available? What ongoing help can you get from the company?
Can I afford a pump?
This is, understandably, a common question. Insulin pumps are expensive, and most people use their private health insurance, often with a waiting period, although there are also early access schemes where you can loan a pump until your health fund covers the cost.
As well as the device, there are also ongoing consumables to budget for, such as reservoirs and cartridges, which do have NDSS subsidy to help reduce these costs.
There are other options through both private and public providers, and Diabetes WA is here to help you navigate this process.
A key benefit of our Tech Nights is that you can meet with representatives from the companies – Abbott, AMSL/Dexcom, Medtronic, Insulet and YpsoMed – and chat, ask questions and see the products for yourself.
Where to from here?
Often, coming to one of our Tech Nights is part of a longer process of deciding how to self-manage your diabetes, and deciding whether technology will be part of that for you.
The next step might be an in-person or Telehealth appointment with one of our diabetes educators with experience in pump starts.
We can help you with the necessary paperwork for funding, as well as education and support getting used to the new technology.
Going forward, we can help you with insulin adjustment advice, carb counting and tech upgrades.
Our next Type 1 Tech Night is on 17 October, 2025 from 6pm-8pm in Victoria Park.
Once again, we’re bringing together leading tech companies, credentialled diabetes educators, and community members living with type 1 diabetes. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, see the latest tech, and hear real stories.
Organised and hosted by Diabetes WA. Light refreshments will be provided.
More ways Diabetes WA can support you
If you use insulin pens, you may decide you need a refresher in counting carbohydrates. The OzDAFNE@home program, which is for people using insulin pens and funded through the NDSS, can help you with upskilling, in online group sessions for half a day a week over seven weeks.
Visit our website to see our full range of programs.
Any questions? Get in touch – we are always here to answer your questions around the latest technology. Call our helpline on 1300 001 880
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