Living with type 1 diabetes in Australia’s top end: my journey to CGM, an insulin pump and advocacy

Guest Blogger
Category: Inspirational Stories

By Keri Matthews

Managing type 1 diabetes in the humid, hot, monsoonal climate of the Northern Territory is no easy task. I’m 67 years old, living on the age pension, and determined to keep learning while supporting others in our community. Here’s my story of how I moved from fear and burnout to better sleep, improved time-in-range, and active advocacy for diabetes technology funding in Australia. 

Why technology matters for people with type 1 diabetes 

Type 1 diabetes runs in my family. Several years ago, an injury landed me in an ambulance. The paramedic caring for me showed me his continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and explained how it helped him stay safe, keep working, and enjoy life again. That moment changed my perspective. 

Later, in hospital, I met a credentialled diabetes educator (CDE) who also lived with type 1 and used insulin pump therapy. At that time, CGM wasn’t subsidised, but I decided to self-fund at about $100 per fortnight. CGM gave me peace of mind, but it didn’t stop nighttime lows. Fear of hypoglycaemia kept me awake, and I became sleep deprived. My HbA1c wasn’t where I wanted it, and keeping insulin cool in the NT heat was a constant struggle. 

Finding the right diabetes technology 

In March 2025, I booked a telehealth appointment with my endocrinologist. We discussed my challenges, and he suggested trialling a different CGM and an insulin pump system. At 67, on the age pension, the cost felt impossible, but I decided to try. 

Becoming an insulin pump user 

In April 2025, I completed CDE training with my team for an insulin pump. But affordability was still a hurdle. I sold possessions, cancelled TV and music subscriptions, and picked up part-time work to cover the cost. It hasn’t been easy, but the benefits are life-changing: 

Advocating for diabetes technology funding in Australia 

Australia lags behind the UK, Europe, and the USA in funding CGM and insulin pump technology. This technology is recognised as the basic standard of care for people with type 1 diabetes, yet many Australians still face financial barriers. 

That’s why I’ve started: 

  • Signing petitions 
  • Writing to MPs 
  • Supporting fundraising efforts 
  • Sharing my story on social media - https://www.instagram.com/type1dkerriem/ 

We need full funding for diabetes technology so everyone living with type 1 diabetes can access these life-changing tools. Write to your local MP, talk to your endocrinologist, diabetes educator, friends, family and colleges and get them write in support of expanded access to automated insulin delivery. 

Be apart of this movement and advocate to your local MP – find your MP as well as a letter template.  

Together, we can make a difference 

Sometimes I cry thinking about how different things were in the 1980s when my daughter had no technology to keep her safe. I do this in her memory, and for every person living with type 1 diabetes today. We are united by a condition we cannot ignore. Together, we can push for change. 

This blog post is not a substitute for medical advice and/or services from a healthcare provider. This blog post is not to be relied upon in any way in connection with your personal health care related decisions and treatment.