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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Why are type 2 diabetics not allowed to have an Insulin Pump?

    Related Topics
    Endocrinology Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
    Hi

    I have a question, that you may or may not be able to answer, but, I would like to know why the NDSS have not allowed for type 2 diabetics to have insulin pumps?

    I am a MDI T2 diabetic and have to inject myself 5 times a day, not only that I have hypo unawareness, the research I've done suggests that a pump might be the way to go, however, I really don't like the idea that I (if I want to go on a pump) would cost me over $300.00 per month as adverse to a T1 who only pays $30.00 or so a month for consumables, do you know if there ever will be a time where T2's will get access to IPC on the NDSS scheme at all? Thanks…
    • 2 answers
    • Carol Cole
    • Dr Kevin Lee
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  • Carol Cole

    Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), Diabetes Educator

    I provide consultations in my clinic for type1 and type 2 diabetes , pre pregnancy support ,also insulin pump maintenance and initiation of insulin pumps. … View Profile

    hi, i am a diabetes educator in Australia and once asked the same question. I personally think it comes down to the government budget and who is allocated what. A pump can be paid for by an insurance company for a person who has type 2 diabetes and a diabetes team who feels it would be in that persons best interest to have a pump will sign off  that person but consumables have not been allocated on the NDSS listings for anyone with Type 2. i know of individuals who will pay for there monthly consumables themselves. I think if there was enough interest from people with type 2 diabetes then lobbing with your local member in parliament would be a great place to start. Good luck.

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  • Dr Kevin Lee

    Endocrinologist, Nuclear Medicine Physician

    Consultant Physician in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Nuclear Medicine. I am on Twitter @dr_kevinlee. I am on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kevinleefracp/ I help patients with obesity, diabetes, thyroid, … View Profile

    Excellent answer, thank you Carol

     

    In general terms, there is currently not clear evidence in T2D that insulin pump is significant better than MDI to justify routine use.

    Obviously there will be some T2D with brittle glycemic control, lots of hypos and hypo unawareness etc who may benefit from pump.

    There are now other medications that target different pathophysiology within T2D which can have very low hypoglycemia risk. Speak to your doctor, diabetes educator to address your concerns about hypoglycemia unawareness.

     

    Regards,

    Dr Kevin Lee

    Consultant Physician Endocrinologist.

    www.facebook.com/kevinleeFRACP

    http://www.banyoclinic.com.au/dr-kevin-lee-endocrinologist/

     

     

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