With around 1.7 million Australians living with diabetes, here’s what you need to know

Diabetes is a chronic condition. Diabetes causes an abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates. This results in high blood glucose levels due to the impaired ability of the hormone insulin in the body. There are three main kinds of diabetes – Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational, which can occur during pregnancy. 

Type 1 diabetes is an unpreventable autoimmune disease that can affect anyone. It occurs when the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease in which the body doesn’t produce enough insulin in the pancreas and becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin over time. Type 2 diabetes is associated with lifestyle factors and genetics.

Some Type 1 diabetes sufferers experience unexpected weight loss, while a sign with Type 2 is weight gain. Other symptoms include excessive thirst, tiredness, chronic hunger, cuts that don’t heal, blurred vision, leg cramps and mood swings.

Diabetes is genetic but the risk of development is increased by modifiable lifestyle factors, including being overweight, high blood pressure, being inactive or carrying weight around the waist.

No, but it can be managed. Those with Type 1 can manage their symptoms with insulin injections. As Type 2 diabetes is progressive, lifestyle changes need to be made in order to prevent further complications.

Potential complications are the same for Type 1 and Type 2 sufferers. They include kidney disease, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, limb amputation, foot problems, renal disease and blindness.

Eating well to ensure bodyweight and blood glucose levels are stable. Exercising regularly to lower blood pressure and promote more effective insulin production. Having regular blood glucose monitoring tests will measure your risks of developing diabetes, and assess whether adjustments to lifestyle and/or treatments need to be made.