Round-the-Clock Glucose Monitors Now Cheaper for Type 2 Diabetes

Key Facts:

• Around 1.2 million Australians live with type 2 diabetes, yet there is no government subsidy for CGMs, despite this being well-established for those with type 1 diabetes (and a recent parliamentary enquiry recommending an expansion of the scheme to high priority patients with type 2 diabetes)
• Even with medication, 71% of Australians with type 2 diabetes have blood glucose levels considered too high according to new research.
• International clinical guidelines have recently been updated calling for the use of CGM to manage with type 2 diabetes, and Australia's peak diabetes advocacy and doctor groups are united in their calls for better access to CGM technology.

Cost of managing diabetes is the biggest challenge for 61 per cent of Aussies with the condition¹

Australians with type 2 diabetes can now affordably^* monitor glucose levels and be alerted to real-time changes in their condition with the introduction of a new wearable technology.

The CareSens Air Continuous Glucose Monitoring system is available from $45 per sensor,^* answering the call of medical experts for diabetes management technology to be made more affordable for people with type 2 diabetes.^1,3

The new technology comes as the latest research reveals that, even with medication, 71 per cent of Australians with type 2 diabetes have blood glucose levels considered too high (HbA1c >7%).⁴

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems involve a small device, typically worn on the upper arm, which continuously measures glucose levels without finger pricking. Readings from the sensor can be viewed via a smartphone app, allowing people with diabetes to monitor for potentially dangerous spikes or drops in blood glucose. This data can also be reviewed by healthcare professionals during consultations to inform treatment decisions.

Studies have shown that the use of CGM technology can enable people with type 2 diabetes to better manage their condition by moderating blood glucose levels,^5-7 identifying hypoglycaemic episodes,⁷ influencing positive behaviour⁸ and facilitating lifestyles changes.⁸

While CGM has revolutionised the way people with type 1 diabetes monitor their condition and adjust insulin treatment,⁵ the technology has remained largely out-of-reach^1,3 for the 1.2 million Australians living with type 2 diabetes.⁹

The Federal Government subsidises the cost of CGM technology for Australians living with type 1 diabetes through the National Diabetes Services Scheme. However, Australians living with type 2 diabetes go without funding support, despite a 2024 Parliamentary Committee report recommending that the subsidy be expanded to include people with type 2 diabetes requiring insulin.¹⁰

The call for wider access to real-time glucose monitoring technology for people with type 2 diabetes is being led by Diabetes Australia through its 'CGM for All' campaign.¹¹ The expansion of CGM access is backed by the Australian Diabetes Alliance, a group of the nation's six largest clinical and advocacy organisations for diabetes,³ as well as recent updates to international treatment guidelines.^12,13

According to Ann Bush, President of Australian Diabetes Educators Association, "The use of CGM in type 1 diabetes is well established. We now have the opportunity to apply this same technology to people with type 2 diabetes".

"CGM devices are emerging as a key tool in the fight against type 2 diabetes. Affordable access to technology that tracks and reports glucose changes is vital to the long-term health and wellbeing of many people with type 2 diabetes," she said.

"CGM technology can empower people with type 2 diabetes to make more informed decisions about their condition, which if uncontrolled can lead to serious health complications."

"When people with diabetes see in real-time the impact of different foods, drinks and physical activity, they often make positive changes more quickly and confidently. At the same time, CGM helps the care team, doctors and Credentialled Diabetes Educators identify patterns, allowing for personalised treatment and ultimately improved quality of life and long-term health outcomes."

CareSens Air: more affordable^* CGM for more Australians with type 2 diabetes

CareSens Air features a discreet, water-resistant sensor (just 5mm thick, 4.5g in weight) worn on the back of the upper arm that transmits real-time glucose readings via Bluetooth to a compatible smartphone using the CareSens Air app.¹⁴

The device automatically tracks glucose levels, providing glucose readings, personalised alerts and trend data throughout the day and night. Healthcare professionals can also access patients' glucose data remotely through 'Sens365', a secure, cloud-based web platform, enabling more proactive and informed care.¹⁴

In Australia, CareSens Air costs from $90 per month (starting from $45 per sensor*, each with a 15-day lifespan).²

For Chandra Selvadurai, Managing Director of Pharmaco Australia Ltd, which is introducing CareSens Air in Australia, his father's experience with type 2 diabetes is a motivating factor in providing more affordable access to CGM.

"For too long, continuous glucose monitoring has been out of reach for most people with type 2 diabetes. Increasing availability and affordability is essential – CGM shouldn't be a luxury technology," he said.

"With more than 60 per cent of Australians living with diabetes reporting the cost of medicines and technology is the biggest challenge they face in managing their condition,¹ an affordable and accessible CGM device has never been more important."

CareSens Air can be purchased directly from Pharmaco at www.caresens.com.au. *Starting price of $45 per sensor when purchased in multiples of 6. Pricing comparison is based on sensor cost-per-day calculations using publicly available retail pricing from CGM sensor suppliers in Australia as of January 2026. Pricing may vary and does not include special offers, promotional pricing, or subscription discounts.