Esteemed Professor Helen Murphy, a leading figure in diabetes and antenatal care, is visiting Australia from October 13 to 24, 2025. Her mission is to advocate for the adoption of cutting-edge technology to enhance pregnancy outcomes for Australian women with type 1 diabetes. Drawing on her extensive research, Prof Murphy aims to share her insights with political stakeholders, the diabetes sector, and health officials.
Prof Murphy, a renowned advocate for the ‘artificial pancreas’ technology in the UK, has been instrumental in transforming health outcomes for pregnant women and their babies. During her visit, she will highlight the benefits of automated insulin delivery systems, which she describes as crucial for achieving optimal health outcomes for mothers and their babies. Her visit is supported by Ypsomed, a leading health devices company, and the Australian Diabetes Society.
The Case for Advanced Technology in Pregnancy Care
Professor Murphy is a Professor of Medicine (Diabetes and Antenatal Care) at the University of East Anglia in the UK and a practicing clinician. Her research supports the use of automated insulin delivery systems, akin to an artificial pancreas, for women with type 1 diabetes. These systems are designed to automatically adjust and deliver insulin based on real-time blood glucose levels, significantly reducing the burden of managing diabetes during pregnancy.
An automated insulin delivery (AID) system comprises a continuous glucose monitor, an insulin pump, and an algorithm that adjusts insulin delivery. This technology is particularly beneficial during pregnancy, a period marked by fluctuating hormones and dietary changes that complicate blood sugar management.
“Managing blood sugar levels is more difficult during pregnancy due to changing hormones and eating patterns, which can cause complications, such as congenital defects, early birth, large birthweight or stillbirth,” Prof Murphy said.
Policy Recommendations and Government Response
The Australian Parliament conducted a diabetes-related inquiry, finalizing its report in July 2024. However, the government has yet to respond to its findings and recommendations. Notably, Recommendation 16 suggests expanding subsidized access to insulin pumps for all Australians with type 1 diabetes.
Professor Murphy sees her visit as an opportunity to influence key decision-makers. She emphasizes the potential for Australia to adopt similar policies to those in the UK, where the NHS has recommended automated insulin devices following extensive research and testing.
“Standard treatment can be stressful and burdensome, often requiring multiple daily injections. Research shows that innovative medical devices, such as pregnancy-specific automated insulin delivery systems, can significantly improve quality of life by automatically adjusting insulin levels, requiring less user input,” she added.
Support from Australian Health Leaders
Australian Diabetes Society CEO Sof Andrikopoulos expressed support for Prof Murphy’s efforts, highlighting the importance of providing the best available treatment for pregnant women.
“About one in five pregnancies in Australia are affected by diabetes, and families deserve access to the best available treatment,” Dr. Andrikopoulos said. “Whether you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, women should be afforded first-class care, including the availability of affordable technologies.”
Ypsomed General Manager Sylva Bardzamian echoed these sentiments, noting the significant impact of Prof Murphy’s work.
“Professor Murphy’s research and work has been a game changer for pregnant women living with type 1 diabetes and has saved lives,” Ms. Bardzamian said. “The Australian Government is committed to achieving stronger health outcomes, which we’ve seen through the subsidizing of continuous glucose monitoring devices for all people living with type 1 diabetes.”
Looking Forward: Potential Impact on Australian Health Policy
The visit by Prof Murphy represents a crucial moment for advancing health policy in Australia. With the government already subsidizing continuous glucose monitoring devices, there is a strong case for extending funding to pregnancy-specific automated insulin delivery systems.
As Prof Murphy continues her advocacy, the hope is that her insights and research will prompt Australian policymakers to take action, ensuring that women with type 1 diabetes receive the best possible care during pregnancy. The potential benefits of such advancements could lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and their babies, aligning with global best practices in diabetes management.
