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. The program is provided to complement and support the treatment and care provided by general practitioners, nurses, diabetes educators, and allied health professionals.
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 and monitor their diabetes or diabetes risk
- Make healthy food choices
- Be physically active
- Take measures to prevent or control diabetes
- Prevent diabetes complication
Programs are offered regularly across CESPHN. For more information on upcoming programs please see below.
Community Diabetes Education Programs in the South Eastern Sydney region
Programs are held at:
Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service (HealthOne, 126 Kareena Rd, Miranda NSW 2228).
Dates and Times:
- 16th February: 6pm – 8pm
- 16th March: 10:30am – 12:30pm
- 13th April: 6pm – 8pm
- 18th May: 10:30am – 12:30pm
- 22nd June: 6pm – 8pm
Research & Education Centre, St George Hospital (4-10 South Street Kogarah, NSW 2217).
Dates and Times:
- 23rd February: 10:30am – 12:30pm
- 23rd March: 10:30am – 12:30pm
- 20th April: 10:30am – 12:30pm
- 25th May: 10:30am – 12:30pm
- 29th June: 10:30am – 12:30pm
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 427 603 (for South Eastern Sydney region).
Culturally and linguistically diverse sessions
The Community Diabetes Education Program aims to support people living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Greek, Vietnamese, Bengali, Nepali and Arabic languages. Those attending a workshop will learn about:
- Understanding diabetes
- Making healthy lifestyle changes
- Living with diabetes
Workshops are free and delivered by Diabetes NSW & ACT health professionals. These sessions are delivered either directly in language by bilingual facilitators or with the assistance of an interpreter.
Bookings are essential. For more information on upcoming programs or to register click here, or call Diabetes NSW & ACT on 1300 342 238.
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.