Medtronic and the Therapeutic Goods Administration have issued an Urgent Product Correction for a MiniMed Mobile App Android software version 3.2.0.

Medtronic has identified a problem where the app disconnects from the pump.

Users of MiniMed Mobile App Android 3.2.0 should update to version 3.2.1 or higher as soon as possible to resolve this problem.

Please click on the following link to download the new version of the app.

To confirm the latest app version on your Android device, follow these steps:

• Open the Google Play Store app.
• Tap Menu and then Manage apps & devices.
• Apps with an update available are labelled “Update available.” You can also search for a specific app.
• Tap Update.

If you have further questions or need assistance, please call the Medtronic 24-Hour Technical Support line at 1800 777 808.

The first new therapy for type 1 diabetes in nearly a century, which works to delay the need for insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes, has been approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. 

Tzield (teplizumab) works to preserve beta cell and insulin production, delaying the autoimmune mechanism that drives type 1 diabetes, and could see thousands of Australians able to delay insulin therapy for an average of two years. 

It’s the result of nearly forty years’ of career-defining research from a dedicated team of researchers, and represents a major development for people aged 8+ and living with stage 2, type 1 diabetes.  

The therapy’s arrival in Australia represents a game-changing shift in treatment and management made possible through long-term funding support for critical research. 

Preserving beta cells and insulin, alongside understanding the autoimmune system mechanism, has long been a major goal of diabetes research globally. With this new listing, Australians will have access to cutting-edge medicine that will help thousands of Australians delay insulin therapy. 

Australian Diabetes Alliance member Breakthrough T1D have supported the research that led to this therapy since its inception in the late 1980s, funding a dedicated team of researchers for nearly forty years. 

Tzield will now be available for people living with stage 2 type 1 diabetes, however is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).  

More than 145,000 Australians live with type 1 diabetes, with a further 25,000 estimated to be living with early-stage or undiagnosed type 1 diabetes.  

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition where the body’s own immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas which produce insulin.  

We don’t yet know the cause and currently there is no cure.   

Diabetes and depression/anxiety are common health problems. Many people around the world live with them. Some people only have one, but others live with both. Diabetes can make a person more likely to feel depressed, and depression can make it harder to manage diabetes. This article explains how these two problems are connected and why it is important to treat both.

What is depression?

Depression is an illness that makes you feel very sad or tired for a long time. You may not want to do things you used to enjoy. Other signs include trouble sleeping, eating too much or too little, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can affect both your daily life and your physical health.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is when your brain feels worried or scared—even if nothing dangerous is happening. It’s like your body’s alarm system going off when you think something bad might happen. It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes, such as before an important life event. However, if you often feel anxious, even when things are going well, it can make life harder.

How common is it?

People with diabetes can be depressed or anxious more often than people without diabetes. show that if someone has diabetes, they are almost twice as likely to be depressed, regardless of the type of diabetes. That’s why health professionals check for depression in people living with diabetes.

How diabetes can lead to depression/anxiety

• Daily stress: Taking care of diabetes is hard work. Monitoring glucose, medications, food choices, and appointments can feel overwhelming. People living with type 1 diabetes have the even greater burden of carbohydrate counting, insulin calculations, a greater risk of high and low glucose levels, and frequent glucose monitoring
• Worry about complications: Concerns about future health (like vision or nerve problems) can cause stress and depression
• Feeling alone or judged: Some people say they can feel judged or left out in social situations
• Physical changes: Diabetes can change the balance of hormones in your body and brain, which can add to feelings of depression

Depression can affect diabetes

Depression can make diabetes harder to manage. For example, it may lead to:

• Less physical activity
• Unhealthy eating
• Smoking
• Missing medications or appointments

Depression also affects how your body handles stress, which can raise glucose levels. It can also cause inflammation in the body, which can make diabetes more difficult to manage.

The cycle between diabetes and depression

Diabetes and depression can make each other worse. If you are depressed, you might not take care of your diabetes. If your diabetes gets worse, you may feel more depressed. This can make both problems harder to manage. It can even lead to more hospital visits.

Shared risk factors

Some factors increase the risk of both type 2 diabetes and depression:

• Being above a healthy weight
• Low physical activity
• Poor diet
• Financial stress
• Family history (genes)

How health professionals assess this

Doctors use special to find depression/anxiety in people with diabetes, such as:

• PHQ-9 (depression)
• GAD-7 (anxiety)
• HFS-II W (fear of hypoglycaemia)

They help to identify when you need extra support.

Treatments

Talking therapies

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This helps change negative thoughts and teaches new ways to cope
• Motivational interviewing: This supports healthy behaviour choices

Medicines

• Some people benefit from antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
• Diabetes medications may also need adjusting

Your healthcare team will help balance both safely.

Healthy habits

• Exercise, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep can help both depression and diabetes
• Relaxation and joining support groups can also assist

Working together

The best outcomes happen when care is coordinated between doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and diabetes educators.

Mental health medications and diabetes

Antipsychotic medications and diabetes

Some medicines used to treat mental health conditions can affect how your body handles glucose. They can increase the risk of weight gain and alter glucose levels. Because of these changes, people taking these medicines might have a higher chance of getting type 2 diabetes. Some antipsychotic medications are more likely to cause these changes than others. If you are taking the following medications it is essential to monitor your glucose levels regularly:

aripiprazole	clozapine	olanzapine
quetiapine	risperidone	asenapine
amisulpride	paliperidone	brexpiprazole

Antidepressant medications and diabetes

Some show a small increase in type 2 diabetes risk with antidepressants, but it is not clear why. This may relate to:

• The medication
• Underlying depression
• Lifestyle factors

However, treating your mental health is essential and should not be delayed.

How diabetes medicines affect mood

Recent shows that the type of diabetes medicine taken may be linked to mood changes.

Medicines with a lower risk of depression:

• Metformin
• DPP-4 inhibitors
• GLP-1 analogues
• SGLT2 inhibitors

Medicines with a possible higher risk:

• Higher doses of insulin
• Higher doses of sulfonylureas

Why?

Studies and real-life experience indicate that increases in body weight can reduce mood, while decreases in body weight can improve it. Both insulin and sulfonylureas may contribute to weight gain if a person consumes a high-carbohydrate diet. Metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 analogues, and SGLT2 inhibitors may all help reduce body weight.

Even so, starting insulin treatment shouldn’t be delayed because high glucose levels can cause problems over time. When you begin using insulin, it’s important to watch how much carbohydrate you eat. Talking to a dietitian can help you figure out the right amount.

Insulin is usually started if you find out you have type 1 diabetes or after having type 2 diabetes for a long time. Both situations can be stressful, which increases the risk of depression and anxiety.

Problems with getting help

Sometimes people don’t get the support they need for depression and anxiety because:

• They feel embarrassed or judged
• Mental health services are hard to access
• Care is not well coordinated
• People don’t always know the right questions to ask. șÚÁÏÍű can help with those questions

Since diabetes and depression are linked, they should be recognised and treated together early. Mental health is part of diabetes care and working as a team provides the best results. Medications for one condition can have both positive and negative effects on the other condition. Your health team will take this into consideration. Treating the whole person and offering support can prevent long-term effects and improve quality of life.

By Donna Itzstein, Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Pharmacist

is a time for Australians to reflect on our shared history and to recommit to building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, “All In”, is a call for every Australian to take meaningful action towards reconciliation and to recognise that lasting change requires a collective effort.

For șÚÁÏÍű, reconciliation is central to improving health outcomes and addressing inequities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This week is not only a moment for reflection, but also a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to listen, learn and act in partnership.

The need for action is clear. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are experiencing the world’s highest rates of youth onset type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among young people aged 15 to 24 has doubled between 2019 and 2024. Overall, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also almost four times more likely than non Indigenous Australians to live with diabetes or pre diabetes. These disparities are reflected across the health system, with diagnosis rates around three times higher and hospitalisation rates up to five times higher than for non-Indigenous Australians.

Addressing these inequities cannot occur in isolation from reconciliation. șÚÁÏÍű acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this country and recognises that improving health outcomes requires long term partnerships and culturally safe care. Reconciliation provides the framework for this work, ensuring that solutions are shaped with, and led by, communities.

A key step in this journey is șÚÁÏÍű’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which sets the foundation for and embeds reconciliation across the organisation’s work and culture.

RAPs are designed to create practical and measurable change, and today more than 5.9 million Australians work or study in organisations with a RAP, demonstrating the growing national commitment to reconciliation.

șÚÁÏÍű’s Reflect RAP focuses on building organisational capability, strengthening partnerships and embedding accountability. That includes integrating reconciliation goals into business planning, improving reporting and tracking of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation within the workforce and membership, and developing policies that support equity and inclusion.

Building cultural capability is also a key focus. Staff education, recognition of NAIDOC Week, Coming of the Light, Sorry Day and Close the Gap Day, as well as ongoing engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and leaders are helping to deepen understanding and strengthen respectful partnerships.

Membership with Reconciliation QLD and Reconciliation NSW is another important step, enabling șÚÁÏÍű to collaborate, learn and take practical action alongside others committed to reconciliation. These partnerships help ensure that efforts are informed, respectful and responsive to community needs.

Following the successful implementation of its Reflect RAP, șÚÁÏÍű is now progressing towards an Innovate RAP, which will focus on practical long term actions to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This next stage reflects a deepening commitment to reconciliation as an ongoing process, one that requires sustained action, accountability and collaboration.

Reconciliation is not achieved through a single initiative or moment in time. It happens person by person, community by community, through sustained, collaborative effort. National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June each year, marking significant milestones in Australia’s history including the and the .

The 2026 theme, “All In”, reminds us that reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians if we are to move forward together. Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.

New data from self-serve health check stations reveals as many as one in three Queenslanders could have risk factors that they should discuss with their health professional. 

The data reinforces the need for greater access to early screening, an area that’s being addressed through a pilot partnership between șÚÁÏÍű, Target Australia, and SiSU Health, that could help people catch their risk of chronic conditions sooner. 

The data also highlights the need for preventative screening that’s accessible and affordable, and reduces stigma for consumers. 

Some of the risk factors identified included high blood pressure, very high body mass index (BMI, greater than 35), and type 2 diabetes risk, as measured by AUSDRISK criteria. 

The findings also highlight the significant potential of preventative screening to reduce complications, benefiting individuals and easing pressure on the health system.  

Health check stations are self-serve TGA-registered medical devices that can provide validated screening results in minutes, which can give baseline health data which supports conversations with health professionals. 

Thanks to the partnership, health check stations have been available in selected Target stores in South Australia for 4 weeks and so far almost 5,000 people have undergone a health check. 

The partnership now has 10 stations available across selected Target stores in Queensland, allowing shoppers to check things like blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, body composition, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes (against AUSDRISK criteria), all discreetly delivered directly by secure app.  

Currently, almost 260,000 Queenslanders live with type 2 diabetes, with a further 102,500 estimated to be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Nationally, 2 million Australians are living with all types of diabetes.  

șÚÁÏÍű’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the initiative was an important step forward in exploring new ways to make preventive health more accessible to the community.  

“These early numbers strongly suggest that we’re taking the right steps in getting preventative healthcare out into the community. It’s never too early or too late to take your health seriously,” Ms Cain said.  

“We know that delivering an easy-to-access, stigma free health check could be all that someone needs to get life-changing health data. 

“A five-minute health check could be the best thing you put in your shopping basket today. 

“Millions of Australians are either living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, and many don’t realise it.  By partnering with a trusted brand like Target, we have a powerful opportunity to reach people earlier. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people take control of their health.” 

Ms Cain said the partnership with Target reflects șÚÁÏÍű’s commitment to innovative approaches to prevention.  

“These health stations at Target stores provide a simple way for people to learn their risk, track their results, and, if needed, seek support early through their GP or health professional. Small steps like this can make a big difference.” 

Target will host the health stations in 10 participating Queensland stores, in addition to the 10 already-deployed locations in South Australia, as part of the pilot, providing customers with a convenient five-minute check while they shop.  

Kmart Group (Kmart and Target) Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer Alexandra Staley said Target is proud to partner with șÚÁÏÍű to bring accessible health solutions into everyday retail environments.  

“At Target, we’re committed to supporting our local communities. By hosting these health stations in our stores, we’re helping make it easier for customers to access simple, free health checks as part of their everyday routines.”  

“This pilot reflects our broader focus on creating positive community impact — using our national store network to help explore ways to remove barriers to early detection and support better health outcomes for Australians.”  

The health checks have already proven successful in other settings, with thousands of Australians using health stations each year to proactively monitor their health.  

Machines are now available in Target stores across Queensland. Participating stores include: Bundaberg, Carindale, Strathpine, Rockhampton, Morayfield, Ipswich, Browns Plains, Mt Gravatt, Mt Ommaney, Runaway Bay. 

The diabetes sector has welcomed the Federal Government’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, which provides in-principle support for a number of key recommendations needed to arrest Australia’s diabetes epidemic.

The sector is encouraged by the government’s willingness to increase awareness about diabetes, improve diabetes care, expand access to GLP-1 medicines and grow diabetes research investments.

șÚÁÏÍű’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the government’s response shows it has heard the strong advocacy from the diabetes sector.

“șÚÁÏÍű, as the national peak body for all Australians living with diabetes, will continue to relentlessly pursue avenues to increase support for the diabetes community alongside the whole sector,” Ms Cain said.

“There was a comprehensive package of measures recommended in the Inquiry’s report, and the government’s response to them is an important step forward.

“In particular, we welcome support for public health campaigns to increase awareness of the early signs of all types of diabetes as well as prevention measures; an increase in MBS item numbers for diabetes educators; expanding eligibility for GLP-1 medicines; and the funding and coordination of diabetes research.”  

Ms Cain said the sector understands that the challenging economic circumstances facing Australia at this time meant some recommendations had been noted, but that ongoing advocacy would continue.

“We look forward to working with government as we continue to find a way to make insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors more affordable for people living with diabetes whose lives would be drastically improved by these technologies,” Ms Cain said.

“In this week’s Federal Budget, the government announced funding for important initiatives that will support the diabetes community including investments in research, the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, and My Health Record. We welcome this funding which will deliver practical support.

“Equity of access to technologies continues to be a critical focus and we must work together with government to find a way to make this standard care affordable for Australians. Health equity is critical. In a cost of living crisis, access to diabetes technology and services is more important than ever,” Ms Cain said.

Australian Diabetes Educators Association CEO Melanie Morris said “we welcome the government’s response and the support in principle for a number of key recommendations that will improve access to care, strengthen the diabetes workforce, and enhance prevention.

“Importantly, this includes support to improve access to Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs), including in high‑risk outer metropolitan, rural and remote communities, as well as expanding MBS‑subsidised allied health services and access to longer consultations,” Ms Morris said.

Australian Diabetes Society CEO Sof Andrikopoulos said there were a number of encouraging signs for diabetes research.

“When taken together, the announcement in the Federal Budget that MRFF funding will be increased to $1 billion by 2030, and the in-principle support for the diabetes research recommendation for the inquiry, we can see promising roads ahead for Australia’s diabetes community,” Mr Andrikopoulos said.

Dr Matthew Hare, President of the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society noted new initiatives in the Federal budget that will enhance opportunities for women living with diabetes to have the best health outcomes for them and their children, such as improved access to long-acting reversible contraception.

“We are committed to continuing to work with the Australian Government to ensure equitable access to life-changing technologies for women with diabetes that will improve health outcomes across generations,” Dr Hare said.

Twenty-three key recommendations were included in a comprehensive report tabled in 2024 by the Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee following its landmark .

The diabetes community will continue to work with government on increasing affordable access to diabetes technologies including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.

“These technologies aren’t a ‘nice to have’, they are absolutely necessary,” Ms Cain said.

“Right now, we’re seeing a widening gap between what we know works and what people can afford. Cost should never determine whether someone can access life‑changing care.

“We very much look forward to continuing the discussions with government on how we can make this a reality,” Ms Cain said.

New research supported by șÚÁÏÍű has confirmed that a person’s genes can influence how well widely used diabetes medicines such as Mounjaro and Ozempic work.

The discovery could pave the way for more personalised prescribing in the future, with treatments tailored to a person’s genetic profile to improve outcomes.

The findings come from an international team including researchers at Adelaide University and were published in the international journal .

The research was led by South Australian endocrinologist and clinician researcher Dr Mahesh Umapathysivam (Adelaide University), Dr Alraldi (ETH Zurich), Professor Gloyn (Stanford University) and Prof Stoffel (ETH Zurich), and was supported in Adelaide by funding from the șÚÁÏÍű Research Program in 2024.

Dr Umapathysivam said the team investigated how genetic differences affect responses to medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that help lower blood glucose levels and can also assist with weight loss.

“Our studies suggest that a person’s genetic profile may influence how well these medicines slow the emptying of the stomach after eating,” Dr Umapathysivam said.

“This process is important because slower stomach emptying contributes to the medicines’ effect on blood glucose levels.”

The research studied the effect of genetic variants which alter the activity of a protein called PAM. Approximately 10% of the population carry a loss-of-function variant in the PAM gene and have lower PAM activity and higher levels of GLP-1 after meals, but without the expected improvement in the body’s ability to lower blood glucose after a meal, something known as the “incretin” response.

“As a result, these individuals showed a reduced response to GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines,” Dr Umapathysivam said.

“Our findings suggest that people who carry these variants may have a form of GLP-1 resistance, meaning the medicines may not work as effectively for them.”

The team also observed similar patterns in mouse studies, strengthening the evidence that genetic differences can influence how patients respond to this class of medicines.

The discovery could help guide future precision medicine approaches, allowing doctors to better predict who is likely to benefit from these treatments and who may need alternative therapies.

Adelaide’s Laverne Naicker, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 20 years ago, said she thought it was a shame when Ozempic didn’t work for her.

“I was pretty disappointed,” Laverne said. “It was a big deal. Ozempic seemed to work like a miracle for other people, so why not me?

“For every medication there are side effects. For me, I experienced burping, abdominal discomfort like pinching, and terrible headaches.

“There was no flip side. Ozempic didn’t help with my diabetes. This research is awesome because it has the potential for people like me not to waste time, hope, and feeling unwell if the medication isn’t going to work.”

Laverne has since started insulin to help manage her glucose levels.

șÚÁÏÍű’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the results highlighted the importance of sustained investment in diabetes research.

“șÚÁÏÍű is proud to have supported this groundbreaking project,” Ms Cain said.

“Research is the key to changing the future of diabetes.

“Innovative studies like this show how Australian researchers are helping lead the world in understanding diabetes, how to prevent it, and how to improve treatment for people living with the condition.”

șÚÁÏÍű Group Executive, Health, Economics & Research, Amber Willink, said Dr Umapathysivam’s team’s research supports treatments being used where they will have the greatest benefit.

“Personalised medicine is not a future concept. It’s emerging now. This research shows how genetic insights can help ensure the right treatment reaches the right person at the right time.”

Researchers from the University of Oxford, University of Dundee, University of Copenhagen, University of British Columbia, Newcastle University, University of Bath and University of Exeter also contributed to the work. 

Established almost 40 years ago, the șÚÁÏÍű Research Program supports outstanding research across prevention, treatment and the search for a cure for all types of diabetes.

The program also helps develop the next generation of diabetes researchers and relies on the generosity of donors to continue supporting world-class research in Australia.

More information about the șÚÁÏÍű Research Program and how to support its work is available at the șÚÁÏÍű website. Find out more about how to support us.

You may have heard that diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease are linked. This connection can sound concerning, especially if you are living with diabetes. But understanding what the research shows can help separate facts from myths, and help you focus on what supports long‑term health. Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Registered Nurse, Carolien Koreneff, explains.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects the brain. It causes problems with memory, thinking, language, and daily activities. These changes usually develop slowly and become more noticeable over time.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is not a normal part of ageing, although increasing age is a major risk factor.

How is diabetes linked with Alzheimer’s disease?

Research has consistently shown that people living with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared with people who do not have diabetes. One of the main reasons is insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells so it can be used for energy. This includes brain cells.

In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, this is more commonly referred to as insulin resistance. Research suggests that similar insulin resistance can also occur in the brain.

When brain cells do not respond well to insulin:

• Less glucose can enter brain cells
• Brain cells may struggle to get the energy they need
• Over time, this can affect memory, reasoning, and judgement

What is “type 3 diabetes”?

You may see Alzheimer’s disease described as “type 3 diabetes”. This term is sometimes used in research to describe insulin resistance in the brain and its possible role in Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to be clear that:

• “Type 3 diabetes” is not an official medical diagnosis
• It is not recognised as a form of diabetes
• The term is used mainly in research settings, not in clinical care

șÚÁÏÍű cautions against using this term outside of research because it can be confusing and misleading for people living with diabetes.

Does having diabetes mean you will get Alzheimer’s disease?

No. Having diabetes does not mean you will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

While studies suggest that people with type 2 diabetes have a 50–65% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, many people with diabetes never develop dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease also occurs in people who do not have diabetes. The risk is influenced by many factors, including:

• Age
• Genetics
• Cardiovascular health
• Physical activity levels
• Education and lifelong learning

Diabetes is just one risk factor among many, not a direct cause.

Why glucose management matters for brain health

The brain is a very energy‑dependent organ. Even though it makes up only around 2% of body weight, it uses about 20% of the body’s glucose supply to support thinking, memory, attention, and decision‑making.

Very high or very low blood glucose levels can affect brain function in the short term, leading to:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Slower thinking
• Confusion or fatigue

Over many years, long‑term high glucose can also damage blood vessels, including those supplying the brain, which may increase the risk of cognitive decline.

What supports brain health for people with diabetes?

The encouraging news is that many actions that support diabetes management also support brain health.

Physical activity

Regular physical activity:

• Improves insulin sensitivity throughout the body and brain
• Increases blood flow to the brain
• Supports the formation and maintenance of brain connections

Research suggests regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50% and may slow progression when cognitive changes are already present.

Glucose management

Keeping glucose levels within your individual target range, as much as possible, helps protect blood vessels, nerves and brain function.

Targets should always be personalised and discussed with your health care team.

Heart and vascular health

High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking all increase the risk of both diabetes complications and dementia. Managing these factors supports both heart and brain health.

Mental and social engagement

Staying socially connected and mentally active through learning, conversation, hobbies, and problem‑solving helps build brain resilience and supports cognitive health.

A supportive message

Hearing about a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease can be worrying. It is important to remember:

• Diabetes is manageable
• Risk is not fixed
• Lifestyle and medical care make a real difference

If you notice changes in memory or thinking, or if you are concerned about brain health, speak with your GP, diabetes educator, or health care team. Early conversations can lead to reassurance, support, and practical strategies.

Key take‑home points

• Alzheimer’s disease is linked to insulin resistance in the brain, not just ageing
• “Type 3 diabetes” is a research term, not a diagnosis
• Diabetes increases risk but does not make Alzheimer’s disease inevitable
• Physical activity, glucose management, and cardiovascular health support brain health

People using YpsoPump Orbit Micro 2.0 infusion sets are being advised of a product update designed to improve comfort and reduce the likelihood of skin irritation. 

The update applies to YpsoPump Orbit Micro 2.0 infusion sets supplied in Australia since October 2023. The products are not being recalled and remain safe to use. 

The change follows routine post-market monitoring, which identified a higher frequency of reported skin irritation among some users. Skin irritation is recognised as a possible reaction when using infusion sets, and guidance recommended rotating infusion sites or considering alternative sets if irritation occurs. 

A detailed review found that the design of the Orbit Micro 2.0 infusion set base and its welding structure could create a slightly rough surface where the device contacts the skin. Over time, and with the need to replace the base every 48 hours, this may contribute to mechanical irritation of the skin. 

In response, the manufacturer, mylife Diabetes Care Australia, has updated the design and production process to create a smoother skin-contact surface. Testing has shown this refinement significantly reduces mechanically induced skin irritation, without changing the materials used in the product. 

The updated infusion sets are now being introduced through normal pharmacy and wholesale supply channels in Australia. No action is required for people currently using the device. 

Those using mylife Loop systems that rely on Orbit Micro 2.0 infusion sets should simply be aware of the update as new stock becomes available.  

Individuals who have experienced skin irritation with earlier versions may wish to speak with their healthcare team or contact mylife Diabetes Care Australia customer support on 1800 447 042 to access the updated product. 

The Urgent Product Correction information has been published on the TGA website:  

Long gone are the days of receiving milk fresh from the cow delivered in a glass bottle to your door. Now, there’s a whole aisle of choices from cow’s milk to soy, almond, oat, and more. But with so many options, how do you know which one is best for you? 

Milk and other dairy products are an important source of highly absorbable and readily available calcium. It is also packed with other nutrients that your body needs including protein, iodine, vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, B12, and zinc which are important for good health. Milk is also a source of healthy, low-GI carbohydrates that are important for energy. 

With so many non-dairy alternatives available now it is easier than ever for people with allergies, intolerances, or following a vegan diet to find a substitute. Some people also choose milk alternatives due to taste preferences or the perceived health benefits. However, it’s important to know that milk alternatives differ in the nutrition they provide and, despite what you might’ve heard, . It might coat your throat and feel that way, but there’s no scientific evidence behind this claim. 

So how do you know which type of milk is the right choice for you? 

Full fat milk 

Full fat milk contains roughly 4% fat, which makes it an ideal choice for children under the age of two years who require the extra energy and kilojoules for growth and development. Full fat milk is also generally recommended for those struggling to gain weight or at risk of malnutrition. 

Low fat or skim milk 

Low fat milks contain roughly 1% fat, while skim milk is as low as 0.01% fat. For most of the population low fat or skim milk is recommended in order to reduce saturated fat and kilojoule intake. Some people don’t like the more watery feel of a skim milk, so reduced or low fat milk is a good compromise.  

Lactose free 

Lactose free milk is a great option for people who experience lactose intolerance or an inability to digest the naturally occurring sugar in milk. The milk is treated with the addition of an enzyme that pre-digests the lactose, meaning it can be tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. Although lactose is the naturally occurring sugar in milk, this doesn’t make any difference to the sugar content of milk. The sugar is simply broken down, not removed. 

A2 milk 

Milk is naturally comprised of two different proteins, a mix of A1 and A2 proteins. However we now have available milks that only contain the A2 type of protein due to special selection of the cows producing the milk. While lots of health claims are made about A2 milk, currently there is a lack of good quality evidence to suggest it is better than milk containing a mix of both proteins. However, some people with some intolerance to milk report that they experience less digestive discomfort with A2 milk.  

Soy milk  

Soy milk is free of lactose and milk protein, making it a great alternative for those who can’t or choose not to have dairy. It is the closest of the alternatives to cow’s milk in terms of protein and carbohydrate content, but it is naturally low in calcium. If choosing soy milk look for a calcium fortified variety that contains at least 100mg/100ml. 

Goat’s milk

Goat milk is a highly nutritious, nutrient-dense, alternative to cow’s milk. It is often found to be easier to digest due to smaller fat globules and lower lactose levels. Goat’s milk is also rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, promoting bone health and providing antimicrobial properties.

Almond milk and other nut milks 

Low in both protein and carbohydrate, almond milk and other nut milks including macadamia contain a very small proportion of nuts and are mostly water. Like soy milk they are naturally low in calcium, and it is important to choose a calcium fortified variety. Many options also have added sugar, so look for a no added sugar version if you use nut milk. While they can be a low carbohydrate and kilojoule option for those following a low carb diet, they don’t offer as much from a nutritional perspective as cow’s milk or soy. 

Oat milk and rice milk 

Made from grains, oat milk and rice milk are generally low in protein and high in carbohydrate. Because they lack the fibre and nutrition of consuming the wholegrain, they may not make the best choice for people with diabetes. If you prefer the taste keep portion sizes small and like all non-dairy milks be sure to choose a calcium fortified variety. 

Coconut milk 

Traditionally, coconut milk comes in a can and is used for desserts and savoury dishes such as curries. However, coconut milk is now available to drink as a beverage and will be found with other plant milks. Coconut milk from a can is higher in naturally occurring saturated fat and should be saved for adding flavour to special dishes, rather than as an everyday milk alternative. While the drinkable variety is lower in saturated fat and can be used as a milk alternative, it is also important to note that it is lower in calcium and protein, as with other plant milks.  

The bottom line is that for most people without special dietary needs, reduced fat cow’s milk is likely to be the best choice. Alternative milks can add variety and interest to your diet, but should be chosen carefully to maximise nutrients and minimise added sugars. 

Rebecca McPhee, Accredited Pratcising Dietitian