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Diabetes Facts
Diabetes is a chronic disease for which there is no cure. Undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes can lead to serious health problems.
Diabetes is the name given to a group of different conditions in which there is too much glucose in the blood. There are three types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.
The Statistics
- Diabetes is the world's fastest growing chronic disease.
- Diabetes affects about 1.5 million Australians, and an estimated 275 more adults are diagnosed every day.
- There are now more than 13 000 Canberrans diagnosed with diabetes. A similar number have diabetes but do not know it yet.
- Type 2 diabetes may be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.
Diabetes can cause serious complications:
- People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease and stroke.
- Retinopathy affects one in six people with diabetes and is the most common cause of blindness in adults aged 30-60 years.
- People with diabetes are about 15 times more likely to have had an amputation.
- Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure. People with diabetes develop kidney damage at three times the rate of those who do not have diabetes.
Are You Newly Diagnosed?
At Diabetes ACT, we understand that being diagnosed with diabetes can be both upsetting and confusing. Living with diabetes will change your life in many ways and most people adjust very well to their new lifestyle.
It is important to have someone answering your questions and concerns to make it easier for you and your support network to adjust to the necessary lifestyle changes.
At Diabetes ACT we have resources, education programs and qualified health professionals who can point you in the right direction and offer assistance.
Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition where the blood glucose levels are higher then normal, but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Approximately 2 million Australians have pre-diabetes.
Left untreated, pre-diabetes may develop into type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. To learn more about this condition, read our pre-diabetes factsheet 
.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes represents 10 to 15% of all cases of diabetes and is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in developed countries. Type 1 diabetes was previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. It is not caused by lifestyle factors and cannot be prevented. There is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood, although it can develop at any age. The cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet fully understood. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is no longer able to produce the hormone insulin that is needed for the body to utilise glucose for energy. People with type 1 diabetes must replace this insulin every day. Currently, injections or infusions are the only available methods to administer insulin.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually have a rapid onset. The most common ones are extreme thirst, very frequent urination and rapid, unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms include weakness, fatigue, irritability and blurred vision.
Managing type 1 diabetes requires a commitment to implementing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and regular physical activity. The treatment for type 1 diabetes is lifelong daily insulin injections. Testing blood glucose level at home is also necessary. Regular visits to your diabetes health professionals are also recommended.
Web sites for kids, teens and young adults with type 1 diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes accounts for at least 85% of all cases of diabetes. It was previously known as non-insulin dependent diabetes or mature-onset diabetes. It is most commonly seen in adults, but more recently it is also being diagnosed in children and teenagers.
In type 2 diabetes the pancreas may still produce enough insulin however, the insulin being produced is either not enough or not working as well as it should, or a bit of both.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle-related disease and is strongly associated with high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats and carrying extra weight around the waist.
Type 2 diabetes is generally managed with regular physical activity, a healthy eating plan and maintaining a healthy weight (and waist). Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and over time it can become harder to keep blood glucose levels under control. Tablets and even insulin may be required to keep your blood glucose levels within the recommended target range to reduce your risk of developing serious health complications.
Other risk factors for type 2 diabetes are age, family history and heart disease. Certain cultural groups have a higher risk factor of developing type 2 diabetes then others.
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may include:
- Unexplained tiredness
- Frequent urination
- Mood swings
- Unexplained weight changes
- Constant thirst
- Blurred vision
- Skin infections and itchiness
- Poor wound healing
However the most common symptom of type 2 diabetes is no symptom at all. Even if there are no obvious symptoms damage can still occur to the body as a result of higher than normal blood glucose levels. It is important to talk to your doctor if you believe you are at risk or have symptoms of diabetes.
Interested in reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes?
Here's where you should start:
- Get moving – participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day
- Eat well – enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods (see our Healthy Eating information)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don't smoke
- Limit alcohol intake
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. Approximately 3-8% of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes, usually around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy.
Who is at risk of gestational diabetes?
- Women over 30 years of age
- Women with a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Women who are overweight
- Women from certain ethnic groups are also at increased risk including Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders
To learn more about Gestational Diabetes, download our fact sheet .
