Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood are too high. Blood glucose levels are normally controlled by the hormone insulin, which is made by the pancreas. Diabetes occurs when there is a problem with the body's production of the hormone insulin (type 1 diabetes) or how well the body can use insulin (type 2 diabetes).
1 in 20 Australian adults have reported they have diabetes while 280 Australians develop diabetes everyday.
Check your 5-year Diabetes risk using the AUSDRISK calculator or through Diabetes Australia What's my risk?
We have translated this tool into a range of languages, including:
Controlling blood sugar
It's important to keep an eye on your blood sugar (glucose). High levels of blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and cause long term health complications. Blood sugar control can be achieved by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating healthily, keeping active and taking any medication recommended by your doctor.
- Blood Glucose Monitoring - Diabetes Australia
- How diabetes can affect your feet - Podiatry NSW/ACT
- Looking after your feet - Diabetes Australia
- Preventing complications - Diabetes Australia
Need help with medication? - Call Medcines Line on 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) to get information about your prescription, over the country and complementary medicines from a pharmacist.
Newly diagnosed? Register with the NDSS.
There are different types of diabetes; the three most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Strong international evidence shows diabetes prevention programs can help prevent type 2 diabetes in up to 58 per cent of cases. You can do a lot to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, read our tips below.
Type 1
Currently type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Researchers are however looking into the autoimmune process and environmental factors that lead to people developing type 1 diabetes with the intention of reducing the instances of type 1 diabetes in the future.
Type 2
Evidence, including large-scale randomised control trials, shows type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in up to 58 per cent of cases by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan.
People at risk of type 2 diabetes can delay and even prevent the condition by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Making healthy food choices
- Managing blood pressure
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Not smoking.
Many people don't know they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Assess your risk using the Diabetes Australia risk calculator. State organisations provide a range of programs and services for people at high risk of diabetes.
Pre-diabetes - Diabetes Australia
Indigenous information sheets - Diabetes NSW & ACT
Bilingual resources - Diabetes NSW & ACT
Multicultural Diabetes Portal - NDSS
Gestational Diabetes - Diabetes Australia
Food and Activity - Diabetes Australia
Myths and Facts - Diabetes Australia
NDSS - Diabetes NSW & ACT
ComDiab is a FREE community group education program for people who have, or are at risk of type 2 diabetes. Participants will learn about type 2 diabetes and what they can do to improve their health and live well.
ComDiab is expertly designed and delivered by trained registered nurses who are accredited with Diabetes NSW and ACT. The program involves interactive group sessions to help participants to:
- Understand diabetes
- Make healthy lifestyle changes
- Living with diabetes
- Prevent diabetes complication
ComDiab is provided to complement and support the treatment and care provided by general practitioners, nurses, diabetes educators, and allied health professionals.
Programs are offered regularly across CESPHN. Below are the upcoming program schedules for Inner West Sydney:
Cantonese
Location: Strathfield
Date: 12 April 2019
Time: 10am - 1pm
Venue: Strathfield Library
Vietnamese
Location: Riverwood
Date: 15 May 2019
Time: 10.30am - 1.30pm
Venue: Riverwood Community Centre
Greek
Location: Marrickville
Date: 3 June 2019
Time: 9.30am -12.30pm
Venue: Herb Greedy Hall
Mandarin
Location: Strathfield
Date: 24 June 2019
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Venue: Strathfield Library
Click the links above to see the program flyers. For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 342 238 (for Inner West Sydney region).
Community Diabetes Education Programs in the South Eastern Sydney region
Programs are held at the Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service (HealthOne, 126 Kareena Rd, Miranda NSW 2228).
Dates and Times:
- 19 February 2019, 6pm – 8.30pm
- 19 March 2019, 10am – 1pm
- 16 April 2019, 6pm – 8.30pm
- 21 May 2019, 10am – 1pm
- 25 June 2019, 6pm – 8.30pm
Programs can be provided in other languages at request. Click here for the program flyer.
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 427 603 (for South Eastern Sydney region).
Beat It - Diabetes NSW & ACT
Beat It Gym is a program that runs over eight weeks and involves moderate intensity aerobic, strength and balance based exercises as well as education on healthy living topics. The sessions are fun, safe and supportive, with exercises specifically tailored to suit your individual health and fitness levels.
Please contact the Infoline on 1300 136 588 to find the Beat It program nearest to you.
Live your Life Workplace Health Program
Diabetes NSW & ACT's Live Your Life Workplace Health program - can be tailored according to individual organisation needs. Call the Infoline on 1300 136 588 for further details.