The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) spent about six months petitioning the former government to subsidise insulin pumps, which would help families effectively treat and manage type one diabetes.

The Howard government agreed to subsidise the pumps - which cost from $6000 to $8000 - but after the election JDRF campaigners found themselves back at square one.

Rhianna Griffiths, of Queanbeyan, has private health insurance, so she has been able to purchase the pump for her daughter, Cassie, 4, who was diagnosed with type one diabetes 18 months ago.

She said having the insulin pump was like getting your life back.

The insulin pump works like an artificial pancreas on the outside of the body.

Prior to going on the pump Cassie suffered regular hypoglycemic, or "hypo" attacks.

Mrs Griffiths said these caused headaches, the shakes and nausea.

Spokeswoman for the JDRF Gayle McNaught said "hypo" attacks could result in quite serious cognitive problems and lead to comas.

"That's why the pump is so important in regulating that," Ms McNaught said.

Yesterday Ms Griffith, along with Jodie and Jack Ross, 6, met with Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly to discuss the issue.

They said it was vital the government understood what the pump meant to the kids.