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
Community Diabetes Education - ComDiab
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. Click here for further details or call the Infoline on 1300 136 588.
