What We’re Really Up Against—and Why It’s Still Worth Fighting For!

Hi Everyone,

Recently, I reached out and received a very generous and deeply informative message from David Burren, a long-time Type 1 diabetes advocate, tech innovator, and founder of Bionic Wookiee. David has lived with T1D since 1982 and works on developing automated insulin delivery systems through his company, Nascence Biomed.

His insights helped me understand just how complex the insulin supply issue really is— and why our campaign matters more than ever.

🔍 What David Helped Clarify
Local manufacturing is possible—but complicated. We’d need to decide whether to build a new facility, convince overseas manufacturers to invest locally, or create a backup system that could ramp up in a crisis.

(Seems a hell of a lot for little old me, but I won't let that deter me). 

Australia’s insulin needs are diverse. Over 500,000 Australians use insulin, and fewer than a third have T1D. Any solution must include both fast-acting and long-acting insulins, and ideally, stockpile the ones people already rely on.

Fallback options matter. In a disaster, we may not have access to the “best” insulins. David emphasized the need for safe alternatives and education on how to use them.
Patents and pump compatibility are barriers. Many newer insulins are still under patent, and not all work with existing pump systems. This limits what can be produced locally.

We need a clear “ask” for government.

Without a specific, feasible proposal, it’s hard to get policymakers to commit.

 What I Can Do

• Draft a clear policy ask for MPs. (This is doable)
• Connect with technical experts to explore viable models. (I need to learn lots about this first)
• Begin mapping out which insulins should be prioritized. (Also, need educated and some help with this)

For All Of You

• Share the petition with one new person.
• Tag your MP on social media.
• Record a short video explaining why insulin access matters.
• Reach out to local media.

If you have technical, policy, or media expertise—please get in touch. I won't lie; I do need a helping hand with this!

📧 Contact me directly at: insulinsupplypetition@gmail.com if you want to help shape the next phase of this campaign.

Let’s stay connected, stay hopeful, and keep pushing forward—together.