**PETITION DESCRIPTION UPDATE**: 

PDC Health Hub by Perth Diabetes Care is offering support, time, resources & lived experience to this campaign which is advocating for equitable access to Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology for all Australians living with type 2 diabetes.

The Importance of CGM

CGM is a revolutionary tool that provides real-time data about blood glucose levels. This data empowers people with diabetes to make informed decisions about their insulin dosing, diet, exercise, and overall health management. For many, CGM is a vital lifeline that improves glycemic control, reduces hypoglycemia, and enhances quality of life. It provides insights & data that finger pricks cannot. 

The Issue of Equity

Currently, individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have access to subsidised CGM, while those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not. This lack of equitable access creates a significant disparity in diabetes management.

The Benefits of CGM for T2D

Studies have shown that CGM can significantly benefit people with T2D by:

• Improving glycemic control
• Reducing hypoglycemia
• Enhancing quality of life

Moreover, widespread CGM use has the potential to alleviate the burden on the healthcare system by empowering people with diabetes to take charge of their health. It reduces the risk of complications, further reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

Our Call to Action

PDC Health Hub urges policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups to join us in advocating for equitable access to CGM technology for all Australians living with type 2 diabetes. We 100% support the current petition for people with T1D to be able to access AID (insulin pump technology), one of our staff members is on the community author list. However, we cannot support that without also pushing for a CGM subsidy discussion and action for the T2D community. 

Sign the Petition

By signing this petition, you are raising your voice in support of equitable access to CGM technology for those living with T2D who wish to have the option to access CGM technology.

Together, we can make a difference.

We at PDC Health Hub are committed to representing the entire diabetes community.

This petition is endorsed by members of the T2D community for the benefit of the T2D community - you'll see this list grow!

• Tim Benson (lives with T2D)
• Maxine Schlaeppi (lives with T2D)
• Ken Tait (lives with T2D, based in UK)
• Lina Di Franco (lives with T2D)

END PETITION UPDATE

Below is the original petition description. PDC is choosing to leave it here as it remains relevant.

As the Health Promotion & Communications Manager at PDC Health Hub by Perth Diabetes Care, and someone living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), I am continually inspired by the resilience and advocacy of the T1D community. 

Time and again, we come together to raise our voices, pushing for better access to technology that can significantly improve our health outcomes. It's heartening to witness this collective effort aimed at making a tangible difference in our lives and of those also in the "type 1 club".

One such technology that has revolutionised diabetes management for many of us living with T1D is CGM. I can personally attest to the incredible impact CGM has had on my life. It's not just a tool; it's a lifeline. CGM provides real-time data about my blood glucose levels, helping me make informed decisions about insulin dosing, diet, exercise and life in general. It's like having a vigilant guardian angel, constantly watching over my health and safety at all times, and alerting me to potential highs and lows.

But here's where the fairytale ends: while individuals with T1D can access subsidised CGM through various schemes, the same level of access is not extended to those living with type 2 diabetes (T2D). And this is where the issue of equity arises.

Imagine if you were a person with T2D on insulin therapy, or if you were striving to achieve remission, or if you just wanted to learn more about how food/exercise/stress, etc influences your blood sugar levels. The data gleaned from CGM could be invaluable in managing your condition effectively. We often say, "we don't know what we can't see," and CGM provides a window into our bodies' intricate glucose patterns, enabling us to make proactive adjustments to our lifestyle and treatment plans.

What's more, the evidence supporting the benefits of CGM for individuals with T2D is overwhelming. Numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy in improving glycaemic control, reducing hypoglycaemia, and enhancing overall quality of life. Beyond these incredible individual health outcomes; it's also about alleviating the burden on the healthcare system and empowering people with diabetes to take control of their health.

I'll admit, I was pretty tunnel-visioned when I started at PDC. I was all about T1D & what that community needed. I've learnt a lot along the way, and I will now always do my best to ensure the T2D community is not forgotten. I will always do my best to reduce the stigma. Including right now: no, type 2 diabetes isn't always preventable or avoidable. There's a HUGE genetic predisposition to consider. You can't tell someone has T2D by looking at them. We should never judge how a person came to receive a T2D diagnosis. It doesn't matter. If they are showing up for their health, let's support them on that journey. Let's not forget how privileged some of us are. 

So, why aren't we subsidising CGM for individuals with T2D in Australia?

It's a question that begs an urgent answer. As a community, we must advocate not only for ourselves but also for our fellow warriors living with T2D. We must amplify our voices and demand equitable access to life-changing technologies like CGM for all individuals living with diabetes.
At PDC, we are committed to leading this charge. We believe that every person with diabetes, regardless of the type, deserves access to the tools and support they need to thrive. That's why we're calling on policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups to join us in this crucial campaign for equity in diabetes care.

Please sign both petitions. This one you're reading and change.org/T1D-equity

Let's not leave the T2D community behind.