25 September 2025

Already a leader in diabetes technology, NALHN is now conducting clinical research into the effectiveness of automated insulin delivery systems being used by local patients.

Head of Diabetes and Endocrine Services Dr Anthony Zimmermann says the Lyell McEwin Hospital Diabetes Education Centre has about 1,100 people with Type 1 diabetes on its database.

Around 400 are using insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. With new devices entering the market, it is important to be able to provide evidence-based advice to patients electing one.

Advanced endocrine trainee Luke Ephraums has begun a 12-month study into the effectiveness of four systems being used by NALHN consumers. They aid diabetes management by automating insulin delivery based on real-time glucose levels.

Dr Zimmermann says the standard of care indicates that all Type 1 diabetes patients should have one of the devices, which are not subsidised by Medicare.

“We want to get some insight as to whether one might get better outcomes than another, so we can provide objective evidence when patients are making decisions about which device to choose,” he says.

NALHN was Australia’s first Diabetes Technology Accredited Service and provides services to those living with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes.

National Diabetes Services Scheme data shows the prevalence of diabetes in NALHN’s catchment is about 9.7 per cent, above the national prevalence of about 5.4 per cent.

Two doctors

Pictured (L-R): Anthony Zimmermann and Luke Ephraums