About Diabetes

The term ‘diabetes’ covers a range of conditions where the glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes higher than normal.

Diabetes is a chronic disease with serious complications, currently affecting an estimated 1.7 million Australians.

Women with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) can have a healthy baby. It is recommended you plan your pregnancy.

Nearly one in four adults over the age of 25 years has either diabetes or a condition known as ‘pre-diabetes’.  This is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is first picked up in pregnancy and usually goes away after a baby is born. In some women, the diabetes may not disappear after birth.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to make the hormone insulin. Insulin acts like a key to open cells and let glucose enter from the…

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the beta cells in the pancreas still make insulin, but it may not make enough, or the insulin…

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you are not alone. It is not uncommon to feel a range of emotions as you come to terms with the diagnosis. These feelings are completely normal when you are diagnosed with a chronic disease. 

Like type 1 diabetes, LADA or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults is an autoimmune condition. However, unlike type 1 diabetes, most people with LADA do not need insulin for at least 6 months after being diagnosed.

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page about diabetes. Whether you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, been living with diabetes for some time or are supporting a loved one with diabetes, we understand that you may have some questions.