However, Tobias no longer needs insulin injections, thanks to a new insulin pump from Gippsland Paediatrics.

Tobias is now one of more than 40 children with diabetes across Gippsland enjoying a greater quality of life due to the comprehensive level of care at Gippsland Paediatrics.

Under the leadership of Dr Peter Goss, the Gippsland Paediatrics team now manages the largest insulin pump program in rural Australia, with twice the percentage of children on insulin pump therapy than the largest metropolitan child diabetes units.

"We now have 42 out of 62 children on insulin pumps,'' Dr Goss said.

"Having the pump therapy gives the children far more freedom.

"Our patients are telling us that their quality of life is far improved, that their academic and sporting performance has improved, that their self-confidence has improved and that they feel they can live a more `normal' life.''

Both Tobias and Emily Wise can attest to the improvements the pump has made to their lifestyle.

"I can now go to parties without being high,'' he said. "If we get takeaway, I can now eat a little bit more, and if I feel sick, I don't have to eat - I can now eat whenever I want, play footy and go swimming.''

Emily, 13, has had her pump for four months now.

"I can now go to other places, I never used to be able to since I was always high all the time,'' she said.

"I can sleep in now, I don't have to get up and eat something.''

Emily said she can now go on school camps, whereas before her mother Jo had to go with her.

"As a parent, it (the diabetes) has gone from constantly being on my mind to being just normal now,'' Jo explained.

"She's grown like a bean sprout since starting on the pump. She used to be little and pale.

"She's a different kid now.''

According to Dr Goss, Gippsland Paediatrics is also leading the nation in its continuity of care.

"We have patients from five years old to 22,'' he said.

"We'll look after the kids until they're old enough to really take care of themselves - we won't just cut them off once they're 18.''

Gippsland MHR Darren Chester commended Dr Goss for his commitment to local children with diabetes, branding the results "quite remarkable.''

"Anything that improves the quality of life for these patients and importantly, boosts their self-esteem and self-confidence has my full support,'' he said.