Dyan Henry, 45, lives with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes and recently faced a heart-stopping moment when her continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alerted her to a dangerously low blood sugar level just as she was preparing to pick up her child from school. Unlike typical patients, Dyan does not experience the usual symptoms of hypoglycaemia until it is too late, which often leaves her vulnerable to losing consciousness.
Without her CGM, Dyan’s day could have taken a tragic turn, but affording such vital technology has been a challenge. The cost of a CGM, about $100 for a 14-day supply, can total upwards of $2500 annually. Unfortunately, under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), subsidies for CGMs are currently only available for those with type 1 diabetes, leaving over 310,000 Australians with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes, like Dyan, to shoulder the costs themselves amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Dyan’s battle with diabetes is compounded by her financial struggles. She works, alongside her husband, yet they still find themselves questioning their ability to cover basic living costs. “It’s ridiculous to think I can’t afford $200 a month for a device that could keep me safe,” she lamented, highlighting the dire situation’s impact on her health.
Afflicted with a family history of diabetes, Dyan was diagnosed at 23 and faced significant hurdles managing her condition due to factors such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. This made monitoring her blood sugar levels a daunting challenge and often led to unstable health. Her situation deteriorated further with several harrowing pregnancy losses attributed to her unmanaged diabetes.
However, a trial of a CGM in late 2024 transformed Dyan’s healthcare experience, allowing her to maintain stable blood sugar levels for the first time in years. She found it invaluable not just for day-to-day management but also for ensuring her safety at night when low blood sugar typically went unnoticed.
As National Diabetes Week approaches, Dyan is advocating for broader access to CGMs by revising the NDSS to include those with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes. She emphasises that many, like her, face stigma for their condition, which may contribute to a lack of awareness and support for appropriate treatments. With nearly one in 15 adults in Australia living with diabetes, Dyan believes that CGMs should be subsidised for all insulin-dependent patients to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. Ultimately, she wishes to ensure a healthier future for herself and her child, urging policymakers to consider those impacted by unaffordable health management solutions.