Having fled his homeland of Iraq, Yasir found managing his type 1 diabetes almost impossible. Access to an insulin pump has made all the difference.

By the time Yasir reached out to Diabetes WA, he had lost all hope of managing his diabetes. Health professionals had warned him of serious consequences if he couldn’t bring his blood glucose levels closer to target, but Yasir had stopped seeing his doctors.

It had already been a long, difficult journey. Yasir was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2016 while still living in Iraq. After he and his family moved to Turkey, his health deteriorated further due to a lack of medical support. By the time they arrived in Australia, he had lost more than 30 kilos and was at risk of serious complications.

Yasir’s wife, Anwar, said that access to care in Australia made a world of difference.

“We feel very safe here because we have many opportunities for treatment,” she said. “In our home country, he couldn’t get medical appointments, and there was nobody to look after him.”

Despite this improved access, Yasir still struggled to manage his diabetes in Australia. Language barriers made instructions difficult to follow, and the constant injections were overwhelming. He found work impossible, and even simple family outings became rare.

“We just didn’t go out much anymore,” Anwar said.

Hope came when a health professional suggested that Yasir be fitted with an insulin pump — technology proven to improve quality of life for people with diabetes. However, the cost of a pump, which can exceed $8,000, put it out of reach.

“I work one day a week, and we have rent and bills to pay,” Anwar explained. “I try my best, but it’s hard.”

After attempting to crowdfund an insulin pump, the family turned to Diabetes WA for assistance. The organisation has been advocating for more affordable access to insulin pumps (also known as automated insulin delivery systems, or AID) following recommendations from this year’s Federal Government report on diabetes in Australia.

Melanie Gates, CEO of Diabetes WA, emphasised the need for equitable access to life-saving devices like insulin pumps.

“We see the life-changing impact of automated insulin delivery systems for people with type 1 diabetes,” Melanie said.

“A pump can make effective management possible for those who struggle. With many Australians facing cost-of-living pressures, it’s crucial that the government supports access to these essential products, especially for vulnerable communities who are forced to choose between their health and household expenses.”

Yasir was fortunate to find a donor willing to fund the pump, which has already transformed his health. Before it was fitted, Anwar’s hopes were modest.

“Yasir just wanted to forget he had diabetes for one or two days, without worrying about constant injections,” she said. “If that could happen, that would be great.”

The reality has exceeded all expectations. Two months on, Yasir’s blood glucose levels are back within range, and he feels able to return to work for the first time in years.

“I have no doubt that getting this pump has saved my life,” Yasir said.

“My health has been transformed. I am so grateful for the investment Diabetes WA and the donor have made in my health. I am determined to repay them by living as well as I can and doing everything I can to look after myself.”