November 2022
Medtronic pump upgrades via loyalty program
After careful consideration, the RCH Diabetes Team has made the decision not to participate in the Medtronic Loyalty Program updating Medtronic 600 series pumps to the 700 series. It has not been an easy decision for us to make, but whilst we currently have families waiting to start insulin Pump Therapy we do not feel we would be providing a fair and equitable service for all patients if we were to reallocate staff to upgrading Pumps before they are out of warranty.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this decision please contact the Diabetes Allied Health Team Manager
katie.williams2@rch.org.au or telephone: 9345 5926.
NDSS changes to Omnipod consumables
From 1 December, 2022, Omnipod consumables can be accessed through the NDSS. At the RCH, we are currently not supporting Omnipod use, however this decision is regularly under review. We will announce via the Newsletter and clinic noticeboard if our position changes.
Teplizumab availability in Australia
You may have seen media reports about the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approval of Teplizumab (drug name Tzield). It has been approved in 'Stage 2' diabetes – which is those with elevated diabetes antibodies and impaired glucose tolerance who do not yet have clinical Type 1 Diabetes (high blood sugars requiring insulin treatment). Studies of teplizumab have shown a delay in the time to onset of clinical Type 1 Diabetes for this at-risk group. It is not felt to be effective once someone has developed clinical diabetes and is presenting with high blood sugars.
Teplizumab is not currently approved or available for prescribing in Australia. The potential use of teplizumab will rely on population screening programs to identify those at risk, which are not yet widely available and not a current part of the RCH diabetes service.
Visit
TZIELD™ (teplizumab-mzwv) approved by FDA as the first and only treatment indicated to delay the onset of Stage 3 type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adult and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older with Stage 2 T1D - Nov 17, 2022 for more information.
Urgent Information Regarding the Omnipod DASH® Insulin Management System
Omnipod Australia have released aProduct Defect AlertRegarding the Omnipod DASH® Insulin Management System. Visit the Omnipod®Australia website for advice.
October 2022
Upgrade your Medtronic 770G
For young people accessing the JDRF Insulin Pump Program for a pump start or pump upgrade, Medtronic can now update your 770G pump to the latest 780G software before you start. This means you will have access to the latest SmartGuard® technology.
If you currently have a Medtronic 770G pump, this can be updated with the latest 780G software.
For existing insulin pump users visit the MiniMed 770G to MiniMed 780G Software Update page.
July 2022
Diabetes Camps 2023
Diabetes Camps Victoria (The Royal Children’s Hospital, Monash Children’s Hospital and Diabetes Victoria) runs a number of camps and day events for children and adolescents aged 4–17 years, living with type 1 diabetes. The camps run from one day (Day Camps) to three day/two night overnight camps including a weekend Family Camp for a parent/guardian with a younger child with type 1 diabetes (4–7 years).
All camps are supported by an experienced team of medical staff (doctor, diabetes nurse educators, dietitians) and volunteer leaders, many of whom have type 1 diabetes themselves and are past campers.
Applications are now open for the 2023 camp season and every family registered with NDSS with a child aged 4–17 years has been sent an SMS with an application link. If not received, applications can be made directly via: www.diabetesvic.org.au/camps-expression-of-interest.
Applications for the 2023 camps close on Monday 12 September, 2022. Selection takes place in October and families are notified in November. Priority is given to those who have not previously attended a camp and/or are newly diagnosed. DCV maintains application records, so even if your child has recently attended a camp event, families are strongly encouraged to apply – even if unsure of family plans or your child is nervous about attending camp.
July 2022
Future Leaders
Diabetes Victoria has informed us of a pilot program called Future Leaders.
What is Future Leaders
- Pilot program funded by the State Government
- Free for young adults aged 18-22, who live with type 1 diabetes (selected via application)
- Program will provide leadership skills, life skills and opportunity for peer support
- Promotes opportunity to become a camp volunteer or involved in Diabetes Victoria in other ways.
Program starts 20 August, 2022 and ends on 4 November, 2022.
A session is scheduled every three weeks involving:
- Welcome and Fun Day in Dockland
- Invitation to attendKellionVictory Medal Award Ceremony
- Graduation Dinner
- 4 sessions via Zoom on Diversity and Inclusion, Mental Health First Aid Accreditation, Child Safety and Leadership.
How to get involved
As a participant:
- Applications are now open on the Diabetes Victoria website. Closing on 15thJuly 2022
- As a mentor
If interested in applying, please email
FLP@diabetesvic.org.au.
April 2022
Libre 1 discontinued
From 30 May 2022, Freestyle Libre 1 system is being discontinued and replaced with the Freestyle Libre 2. Current NDSS subsidised users of Libre will automatically have their access updated to Libre 2 on 30/5/2022- no paperwork is required. Visit the
Changes to the NDSS web page for further information.
Go to
Freestyle Libre website for instructions to upgrade to the Libre 2 system.
The Libre 1 reader is not compatible with the Libre 2 sensors. If you want to order a Libre 2 reader go toScan My Sensorand follow the prompts
Tandem T:slim Control-IQ Software Update
AMSL Diabetes have released the software update for Control-IQ for Tandem T-Slim x2 insulin pump in Australia on April 4 2022. To access this upgrade you must also be using Dexcom G6.
The process for supporting families to update requires some online training and education.
The
Advanced insulin pump features page has more information.
March 2022
Changes to current insulin pumps – Medtronic 780G
Medtronic are introducing the 780G – contact
diabetes@rch.org.au for further information and how we will support RCH families upgrade their 770G pump.
February 2022
Dexcom G6 is now subsidised on NDSS
As of 1 March 2022, the Dexcom G6 CGM system was available through the NDSS to all people who meet the criteria for funded CGM. Dexcom G5 is now no longer available. NDSS access funding for G6 should have been automatically updated if you had funded access to G5. You don't need to contact your diabetes team to arrange this and a starter kit is not required. Your phone will need to be compatible to use this, this can be done via the
Dexcom compatibility page on their website.
Please note for existing G5 users: When setting up your Dexcom G6 m
obile app, you must use your existing Dexcom username and password to log into G6. This will then import your existing G5 settings and data.Do notcreate a new account.
If you have concerns, or require assistance transitioning to the new device, or wish to discuss using an alternate device, reach out via
diabetes@rch.org.au during office hours. If you need technical advice regarding linking your device to your app call the AMSL helpline on 1300 851 056.
Overpatch use with the G6 sensor is recommended by AMSL. These are only available directly from AMSL and there is no charge. To order go to
amsl shop.
Get Active Kids Voucher Program
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and recreation activities by reimbursing the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms and equipment. The website says the vouchers will return in 2022 and to keep an eye on the website for updates.
In 2021, eligible families were able to receive up to $200 in reimbursements. If your child is named on their own valid Health Care Card they may be eligible when the next round opens.
For further information, visit
www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.