Image courtesy of Bionic Wookiee
At Macintyre Health, we believe people living with diabetes should have the choice of modern technology to manage their condition so they can live more freely.
Living with type 1 diabetes can have significant costs, both emotionally and financially. And those costs deny many people the opportunity to benefit from diabetes tech.
The JDRF reports that Australian adults living with type 1 diabetes are unable to access life-changing technology due to high costs.
‘Young adults and low-income families with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are facing immense barriers to using and retaining vital technology to manage their disease, with inequitable access and high costs putting them at risk of financial burden and life-threatening complications.’ JDRF, 2021
People with type 1 diabetes spend nearly $5,000 per year to cover health insurance, medical appointments and monitoring equipment.
That financial stress worsens mental health issues like depression, which is already far more common among people with chronic conditions.
This is often referred to as the ‘economic burden’ of diabetes. That happens on a personal level where each individual pays an out-of-pocket fee for the care they need. It also happens on a national level as governments fund the broader health system.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that we spend nearly $3 bn per year treating diabetes. That includes hospitalisations due to diabetes and procedures to treat the complications of diabetes.
Prevention is better (and cheaper!) than treatment. Investing in technological advances that help people manage their diabetes well can help to prevent costly and distressing complications of diabetes.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a great example of the benefits of diabetes tech in reducing the impact of diabetes on a person’s life (and, ultimately, on the healthcare system).
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg followed patients using a CGM for two and half years. As the name suggests, these devices are continually measuring blood glucose, giving real-time information on whether your sugars are rising or falling and alerting you if your blood glucose level is too high or too low.
The study showed that using a CGM improved HbA1c results (a key marker of good diabetes management) and led to quicker responses to episodes of low blood glucose.
Unfortunately, the results of JDRF’s survey show cost is a key barrier to access. Among people with type 1 diabetes who don’t own a CGM, the vast majority (71%) say cost is the reason. That rises to 88% for those aged 30-49 who are likely to be busy working and raising a family – such people could really benefit from a CGM device that make their diabetes easier to manage.
We love to stay abreast of the latest diabetes tech at Macintyre Health. It’s a rapidly evolving field and we want people with diabetes to have access to many different devices so you can pick the one that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Omnipod DASH® System is a new type of insulin management system that’s just become available in Australia.
Like other insulin pumps, Omnipod DASH® System removes the need for regular insulin injections and dispenses tailored doses of insulin throughout the day and night depending on your needs.
Unlike other insulin pumps, Omnipod DASH® System attaches straight to your skin, a bit like a glucose sensor. It has a slimline design and there’s no tube to catch on door handles or be tugged by toddlers. You can also wear Omnipod DASH® System in the shower or the swimming pool.
Watch Macintyre Health’s director, Laura Zimmerman, explain the benefits of Omnipod DASH® System
Macintyre Health is offering eligible patients a chance to try Omnipod DASH® System early in its Australian launch.
If you’d like to try Omnipod DASH® System or would like to refer a patient contact us today.
At Macintyre Health, we’re creating a new holistic approach to managing chronic conditions like diabetes using values-driven healthcare.
We’re here to help you manage your diabetes in a way that works for you.
We’re up to date with the latest diabetes technology and we love seeing how it can transform your experience of living with diabetes.
We know there’s no one size that fits all. So we tailor a diabetes plan to each person, taking into account your personality and lifestyle to help you improve your time in the optimal blood glucose range. And we work closely with other professionals like your GP or endocrinologist.
With a supportive team around you, you feel more confident about your diabetes and are able to enjoy the activities that matter to you.
Disclaimer
All information is general in nature. Patients should consider their own personal circumstances
In the intricate world of healthcare, the role of collaboration is paramount. Macintyre Health recognises the power of teamwork and its profound impact on delivering
Day 1 Well, I made it! I had submitted my abstract to IDF many months ago that was accepted as an oral presentation…so I have
Psychosocial Aspect of Diabetes (PSAD) Study Group Research Accelerating Psychosocial Innovations in Diabetes (RAPID) Conference Copenhagen, Denmark, Day 2 30th November 2022 After a delightful
