An Australian consensus statement published in the Medical Journal of Australia on 20 June 2021, highlights the need for every Australian with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) to be given access to the best technology and most effective management systems to help manage the health condition, regardless of age or financial status.
A working group of diabetes experts say more funding is required to develop technologies to manage the common condition, which continues to increase the risk of additional health complications.
The working group comprised of representatives from the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS), the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA), the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) and the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS).
It produced the consensus statement to be read in conjunction with the Australian living evidence guidelines in diabetes “for continually updated evidence-based recommendations regarding the comparative efficacy of technologies”.
“This Australian consensus statement provides a unified implementation framework to ensure optimal utilisation of diabetes management technologies with international relevance,” say the authors, led by Associate Professor Glynis Ross from the University of Sydney, and Dr Anthony Pease from Monash University and Monash Health.
“In addition to ongoing advocacy for greater access, the proposed implementation framework highlights the need for accreditation, credentialling and technology-specific funding initiatives for health care professionals to support the management of people with type 1 diabetes using technolgies that generate large volumes of complex data.
“The working group also outlines the need for ongoing appraisal of implementation strategies, safety reporting, and funding initiatives to ensure sustainable healthcare and optimal outcomes for all people living with type 1 diabetes.
“The overarching focus for the working group was the need for access to diabetes management technologies as well as a strategic implementation framework.”
To read the consensus statement, visit: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.5694/mja2.51118
