From Heartbreak to Hope: A Turning Point for CGM Access 

HISTORICAL SUMMARY  |  MAY 2016 

DANII Foundation’s campaign for affordable access to continuous glucose monitoring technology. © DANII Foundation 

The moment hope became a commitment 

On 15 May 2016, during the federal election campaign, the Coalition announced a $54 million commitment to improve access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology for children and young adults under 21 living with Type 1 diabetes, if returned to government. 

For the DANII Foundation, this was a deeply significant milestone. For years, our advocacy had centred on a simple belief: potentially lifesaving diabetes technology should not be out of reach simply because a family cannot afford it. 

The commitment was expected to support thousands of young Australians who faced additional challenges managing Type 1 diabetes. It also represented something DANII had fought hard to place on the national agenda – recognition that access to technology can make a profound difference to day-to-day diabetes management, particularly overnight. 

Why this fight was personal 

DANII Foundation was established after the loss of 17-year-old Daniella Meads-Barlow in 2011 following severe nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Danii was a much-loved daughter, sister and friend, and her loss changed the direction of our family forever. 

After Danii died, Donna and Brian Meads-Barlow learned more about continuous glucose monitoring technology and the alarms such systems can provide when glucose levels move dangerously high or low. From that point, raising awareness of CGM and fighting for more affordable access became central to the Foundation’s mission. 

We could not change what had happened to Danii. What we could do was work so that other families had greater awareness, more information and better access to technology that could help them manage the risks of Type 1 diabetes. 

A DANII Foundation banner honouring Daniella and the Foundation’s early mission to support people living with Type 1 diabetes through new technology. © DANII Foundation 

Why we called it ‘DANII’S GIFT’ 

The words ‘DANII’S GIFT’ came to represent the positive change we hoped could grow from an unimaginable loss. The May 2016 commitment did not end the campaign, but it showed that years of community advocacy were being heard at the highest levels of government. 

For our family and the DANII community, the announcement was emotional. It was a sign that Danii’s story had helped create conversations about the needs of people living with Type 1 diabetes – and about the role technology could play in supporting safer, more confident management of the condition. 

It was also a reminder that advocacy is rarely the work of one person or one organisation. Families, clinicians, diabetes organisations, advocates and supporters across Australia had all contributed to the growing call for better access to CGM. 

#daniisgift became a rallying message for DANII’s campaign for greater access to diabetes technology. © DANII Foundation 

The commitment became a program 

Following the 2016 election, the commitment moved from policy promise to implementation. On 1 April 2017, the Australian Government commenced subsidised CGM access through the National Diabetes Services Scheme for eligible children and young people under 21 with Type 1 diabetes. The Government said the $54 million initiative was expected initially to assist around 4,000 young Australians and their families. 

That implementation was a major milestone, but DANII knew that funding alone was not enough. Families also needed practical information about the technology, eligibility and how to access the program. 

Taking the message to families across Australia 

In April and May 2017, DANII Foundation took that next step through its National CGM Information Roadshow, travelling to 17 locations across Australia. The roadshow brought together families, people living with Type 1 diabetes, health professionals, CGM representatives and community advocates to build understanding of the technology and the new access arrangements. 

For DANII, this was advocacy becoming action: not only helping to achieve change, but helping families understand and use the opportunity that change created. 

DANII Foundation taking CGM education and awareness directly into the community during the national roadshow. © DANII Foundation 

The journey did not stop at age 21 

The original program focused on eligible people under 21. DANII continued advocating for broader access because Type 1 diabetes does not end at a particular birthday, and the need for technology can continue throughout life. 

Over the years that followed, Australian CGM subsidy arrangements expanded. In 2022, subsidised CGM access was extended to all Australians living with Type 1 diabetes. The eligibility rules in force today are different from those described in this 2016 historical account. 

An emotional moment during the journey toward greater access to CGM technology in Australia. © DANII Foundation