Diabetes: Power in knowledge

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Learn more about Type 1 diabetes
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Learn more about Type 2 diabetes
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Diabetes doesn't stand still and neither do you. It's a chronic condition that impacts how your body turns food 
into energy.

More than 1.9 million Australians and over 800 million people worldwide are living with diabetes*. Learn how to actively manage your diabetes with medical treatment and lifestyle changes.

*Diabetes Australia, Diabetes in Australia
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KNOW THE TYPES

Understanding the
different types of
diabetes

How your diabetes is managed may depend on the type of diabetes you are
diagnosed with. Knowing the type helps ensure correct care and empowers
self-management, risk awareness, and understanding of complications.
Learn about the differences:
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Learn about the differences:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes
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Type 1 diabetes

  • What is it: The body can't make insulin or makes very little insulin
  • Who gets it: Often starts in kids or teens, but can also develop in adulthood
  • Risk factors: Linked to family history and environmental factors
  • Insulin use: Yes
  • Can it be prevented: No
  • Treatment: Insulin injections or pump and lifestyle management
Learn more
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Type 2 diabetes

  • What it is: The body doesn't use insulin well
  • Who gets it: Although more common in adults, kids can also develop type 2 diabetes
  • Risk factors: Often linked to family history, lifestyle or environment factors
  • Insulin use: Sometimes, but not always
  • Can it be prevented: Sometimes
  • Treatment: Lifestyle modifications and medicine
Learn more
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Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin during pregnancy, even without a prior diabetes diagnosis.
Learn more
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DIABETES SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary from
person to person

Some are noticeable and severe while others are less noticeable and milder.
Below are some examples of symptoms.
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Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
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Are very thirsty
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Photograph of a person holding a cup of water with both hands. Text over image: Are very thirsty. Icon of a water droplet.

Lose weight without trying
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Sudden vision changes
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Are very hungry
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Photograph of a person standing in front of an open refrigerator. Text over image: Are very hungry. Icon of a fork and knife.

Feel very tired
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Photograph of a person sitting on the ground and leaning against their dresser. Text over image: Feel very tired. Icon of a bed.

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Experiencing symptoms? Find care

Explore independent in-person and virtual care options
Get care
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Diabetes is not a lifestyle choice

There are many people living with diabetes who experience negative attitudes and judgment.

Diabetes is a condition that changes over time. Even if you’re doing everything right, your blood sugar can still go up and down. Managing diabetes takes work every day. Work like checking your HbA1c, taking medicine on time, being prepared, and dealing with costs.

It’s not easy, but you’re not alone. Every healthy choice you make is a step in the right direction.
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DIABETES DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing diabetes typically starts with measuring blood sugar levels

What is HbA1c?

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The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. The higher your blood sugar or HbA1c level, the higher your risk of developing problems related to diabetes. Your doctor will tell you how often to get the HbA1c test. Usually, it's at least twice a year if you're meeting your treatment goals. If you're not meeting your goals or you change treatments, you might need the test more often.
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Understand the numbers

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The HbA1c test shows your blood sugar levels as a percentage. It tells you how much sugar has been sticking to your blood cells over the past few months. A higher percentage means your blood sugar has been too high for a while, which isn't good for your health. Most non-pregnant adults with type 2 diabetes should try to keep their HbA1c below 7% according to the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS), but your doctor will help you set the right goal for you.
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TALK TO A DOCTOR

Find independent type 2 diabetes care

Diabetes care can be hard to find, but it doesn't have to be.
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Get independent virtual care
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Virtual care for type 2 diabetes management no matter where you are.

  • Connect quickly: Don’t wait any longer for care. Independent telehealth providers are just a screen away.
  • Get care anywhere: Avoid traffic and waiting rooms with care on your connected device.
  • Enjoy condition-focused care: Connect with providers from across the country who have experience with your condition.
Explore options
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Find independent in-person care
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healthdirect is an independent search tool. Search for care by what matters most to you.

Filter by:

  • Service
  • Distance
  • And more!
Search now
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TREATMENT AND TRIALS

Diabetes doesn’t stand still, and neither do we

Managing diabetes often involves changes to your lifestyle and taking medicine. It's important to work with your healthcare team to find the best plan for you.
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The potential to change what's
possible in diabetes care

Making life better for people with diabetes has been Lilly's heartbeat for 100 years.
More people participating in clinical trials could potentially make way for medical discoveries in the future.
Explore trials
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WELL-BEING

Health is more than a prescription

Taking your medicine is important and so is taking care of your overall health.
That's why Lilly's well-being library has science-backed resources on sleep,
food, movement, connection, and stress management for those living with diabetes.
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All Pillars
All Pillars
All Pillars
Connection
Connection
Food
Food
Movement
Movement
Sleep
Sleep
Stress Management
Stress Management
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Connection
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Food
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Movement
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Sleep
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Stress Management
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No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
CMAT-27291 | May 2026
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