Approximately five per cent of Australians are living with some form of diabetes, with 298 people diagnosed each and every day. Our understanding of the condition has progressed in leaps and bounds throughout the years meaning a range of treatment options for type 1, type 2, gestational and other forms of diabetes to enable people living with diabetes to manage it.

 

Working proactively to improve the day-to-day lives of people living with diabetes, Diabetes NSW & ACT provide much-needed information and support. They have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about diabetes.


Q: What are some of the key symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

A: The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are often referred to as the 4T’s – thirsty, tired, toilet (i.e. excessive urination) and thinner.

 

Q: What care and management options are available for people with type 1 diabetes?

A: People with type 1 diabetes depend on insulin every day of their lives to replace the insulin the body cannot produce. They must test their blood glucose levels several times throughout the day.

 

Q: Is there a specific cause of type 1 diabetes?

A: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease for which there is no known cause or cure

 

 

As at 30 September 2018, 832,570 people with diabetes were aged 60 years or older.

 

 

Q: There are some serious complications which can emerge if diabetes is not managed correctly. What are some of these potential complications?

A: Potential complications from diabetes include kidney disease, vision impairment and blindness, amputation, heart disease and stroke.

 

Q: What are some of the key symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

A: The key symptoms for type 2 diabetes include thirst, tiredness, excessive urination, blurred vision, skin infections, tingling and numbness in the feet.

 

Q: What care and management options are available for people with type 2 diabetes?

A: Type 2 diabetes is generally managed with lifestyle (healthy eating, exercise). It may require diabetes medication and overtime insulin therapy.

 

Q: Is there a specific cause of type 2 diabetes?

A: Type 2 diabetes Occurs when the pancreas is not producing enough insulin and the insulin is not working effectively.



Q: What are some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

A: Risk factors include age, family history, ethnic background and being overweight – particularly around the waist.

 

Q: How can people help mitigate their likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes?

A: While there are a number of risk factors which can’t be avoided (eg: family history, age and ethnicity) leading a healthy lifestyle. Eating well and exercising can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

 

Q: Generally speaking, what are the key things to remember when it comes to managing diabetes in terms of lifestyle and overall health?

A: Eat well. The diet should include a broad range of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, fibre and good sources of carbohydrate.
– Limit access to sugars and highly processed food.
– Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes each day.
– Manage mental health and wellbeing.

 

Statistics


Annual diagnosis rate: 298 people are diagnosed with diabetes every day. Almost 108,000 people were diagnosed with diabetes over the past 12 months


People with diabetes as a percentage of the overall population: 1.29 million people are living with diabetes: This is approximately 5% of the overall population.


The percentage split between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in terms of diagnosed persons: 87% of the population live with type 2 diabetes, 10% with type 1 and 3% with gestational diabetes