Whether you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, been living with diabetes for some time, are supporting a loved one with diabetes, we understand that you may have some questions.
We aim to provide clear, accurate, and helpful information to empower you in managing the condition.
FAQs about diabetes
Explore our FAQs to find answers to your most pressing questions and discover tips for better diabetes management.
What is diabetes?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
What is the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
What is pre-diabetes?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
Is diabetes serious?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
How many people in Australia have diabetes?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
Who is most at risk of type 2 diabetes?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
What can I do to prevent type 2 diabetes?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
Can diabetes be cured?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
How can type 2 diabetes be managed?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
How can I check if I have diabetes?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
Are there ways that I can cut the costs of my medicines?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
Where can I obtain more information about diabetes?
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes:
Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Represents 10–15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight
loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes:
Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required..
