Diabetes impacts how your body processes glucose (sugar) and uses insulin, but with the right knowledge and support, it can be well controlled.
Here's what many people don't realise: diabetes is a progressive condition that requires active management, but you're not alone. Your diabetes healthcare team is here to help you prevent complications and live a full, healthy life.
What you will learn in this fact sheet
This guide provides essential information about diabetes to help you understand and manage your condition.
- How glucose and insulin work in your body.
- The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.
- Why controlling blood glucose levels is important.
How your body processes glucose
The glucose-insulin system
Understanding how your body normally processes glucose helps you understand what happens with diabetes.
Step 1: Glucose enters the bloodstream
When you eat carbohydrate foods such as bread, cereal, rice, pasta, starchy vegetables, milk, yoghurt and fruit, they are broken down to glucose in your digestive system (mouth, stomach and bowels). This glucose then enters your bloodstream.
Step 2: Insulin is released
When blood glucose levels rise, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin works like a key that unlocks your body's cells.
Step 3: Glucose enters cells for energy
Insulin allows glucose to enter the cells of your body, including muscles, where it's used for energy. This lowers blood glucose levels as glucose moves from the blood into your cells.
Types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin every day to survive.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the cells in the body don't respond effectively to insulin (called insulin resistance). The pancreas may also produce less insulin over time.
People with type 2 diabetes may need tablets and/or injections, including insulin, to manage their diabetes. Healthy eating, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are also essential parts of management.
Supporting vital diabetes research
This evidence-based fact sheet was developed by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, where our team provides specialist diabetes education and support services.
Help us continue providing free, expert health resources. Your support enables us to develop more comprehensive fact sheets for diabetes management, conduct research that improves outcomes for people with diabetes, and make evidence-based health information freely accessible to all Australians.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
You're at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- Have a family history of diabetes.
- Are over 55 years of age.
- Are over 45 years of age and are overweight or have high blood pressure.
- Are over 35 years of age and are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or are from Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background.
- Have given birth to a child over 4.5kg or had gestational diabetes (GDM) when pregnant.
- Have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
- Have specific chronic conditions such as pancreatitis.
- Take certain medications including steroids, anti-psychotics and immunosuppressants.
If any of these apply to you, talk to your GP about diabetes screening.
Why blood glucose control matters
Preventing complications
There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes and medication. Diabetes is progressive and needs active management to prevent serious complications.
Without good blood glucose control, diabetes can lead to:
- heart attack and stroke
- damage to eyesight (diabetic retinopathy)
- reduced kidney function (which can lead to dialysis and kidney failure)
- nerve damage, especially to hands and feet (diabetic neuropathy)
- poor circulation (which can lead to amputation)
- erectile dysfunction in men
- dental problems
- increased risk of infection and slower recovery from illness (such as influenza).
The good news
Diabetes can be well controlled with proper management, significantly reducing your risk of these complications.
Your diabetes healthcare team
Managing diabetes is a team effort. Your healthcare team may include:
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Endocrinologist (diabetes specialist)
- Credentialled Diabetes Educator
- Accredited Practising Dietitian
- Exercise physiologist
- Podiatrist
- Ophthalmologist.
Make regular appointments with your healthcare team to keep your diabetes well managed.
Download the fact sheet
For support, make an appointment with your GP, Credentialled Diabetes Educator or Accredited Practising Dietitian.