Type 2 diabetes: Inspired to
overcome

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Get care
Explore well-being
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quick links
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Understand symptoms
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Browse myths vs. facts
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Almost 1.3 million Australians are currently living with Type 2 diabetes. This represents about 85-90% of all cases of diabetes.

*Diabetes Australia, Diabetes in Australia
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a condition where
your body can't use the insulin it creates properly.
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T2D CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Understanding type 2 diabetes

  • What causes T2D? T2D happens when your cells don't respond properly to the insulin made by your pancreas—this is called insulin resistance. Because of this resistance, your pancreas keeps making more insulin, but your blood sugar still rises.
  • Who gets it? T2D often develops in people 45 or older, but it can also happen in children, teens, and young adults. Symptoms may develop over several years and can go unnoticed for a long time.
  • Why see a doctor? Some symptoms look like other health conditions, so it's important to get your blood sugar tested by a doctor. If diabetes isn't treated, it can cause serious health problems.

Below are some common symptoms:

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Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
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Are very thirsty
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Lose weight without trying
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Sudden vision changes
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Are very hungry
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Feel very tired
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CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Let's talk about diabetes risk

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as T2D. There isn't one factor that causes prediabetes or T2D. Prediabetes and T2D share many risk factors. If you have prediabetes, your risk of developing T2D increases. You could be at a higher risk for both conditions if you fall into one or more of these categories:
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Demographics and Ethnicity

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If you are 55+ or Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, from the Indian subcontinent or have Chinese cultural background
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Health history

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I've you've had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby over 4.5 kgs, have a family history of T2D, or have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
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Lifestyle factors

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If you aren't physically active
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Early detection is important

Have symptoms or risk factors? See an independent doctor in-person or virtually.
Diabetes Australia also has a tool to help assess your risk.
Get care
Explore Diabetes Australia's risk assessment tool
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MYTHS VS FACTS

Separating science from
stigma

Myth No. 1
“Type 2 diabetes is caused solely by eating too much sugar”
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Fact
While diet plays a role in the development of T2D, it is not the only cause. T2D is a disease that can develop regardless of genetics, diet, physical activity, and obesity.
Myth No. 2
“Only people who have overweight or obesity get T2D”
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Fact
While being overweight or having obesity plays a role in the development of T2D, it is not the only cause. T2D can develop in people at a wide range of different background, at any weight, and can develop due to genetics, diet, physical activity, and excess weight.
Myth No. 3
“Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1 diabetes (T1D)”
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Fact
Both T1D and T2D are serious and can lead to severe complications if not managed properly.
Myth No. 4
“People with T2D should avoid carbohydrates completely”
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Fact
Carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet. Proper meal planning and portion control are crucial for managing blood glucose levels
Myth No. 5
“Type 2 diabetes can be cured”
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Fact
There is currently no cure for T2D, but it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Myth No. 6
“If you need insulin, you have failed in managing your diabetes”
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Fact
T2D is a long-term disease, and over time changes in your treatment plan may occur. Adjusting your treatment plan to support your current need is not a sign of failure, it is a sign of effectively managing your disease. Insulin may help maintain your blood glucose levels and prevent complications.
Myth No. 7
“People with type 2 diabetes cannot lead active lives”
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Fact
Physical activity is key in diabetes management. Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, control blood glucose levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.
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T2D DIAGNOSIS

How doctors diagnose T2D

There are a few ways to find out if you have T2D, and usually, the tests need to be done twice to be sure.
These tests can be done at a doctor’s office or lab, or even at home. If your blood sugar level is very high or if you have common symptoms of high blood sugar along with one positive test, your doctor might not need to do a second test to diagnose diabetes.
Here are a few examples of tests your doctor might talk to you about:
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Fasting plasma glucose test

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Measures blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours
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Oral glucose tolerance test

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Measures how your body handles sugar after fasting
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Random (casual) plasma glucose test

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Measures blood sugar levels at any time of the day
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Glycated hemoglobin test

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Also known as the A1C test, measures average blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months
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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 care isn't always the
same for everyone

There are many options when it comes to treating T2D. Together with
your doctor, you’ll come up with a plan to fit your care needs around
your daily lifestyle. Here are a few areas your treatment plan could
include:
Getting help from a doctor
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Your care team will help you put together your treatment plan, which could include medicine and lifestyle adjustments. Factors like blood sugar levels, overall health and other medical conditions, age, lifestyle, and personal preferences and goals can play a role in your tailored treatment plan.

Looking for independent in-person or telehealth care?

Get care

Your care team will help you put together your treatment plan, which could include medicine and lifestyle adjustments. Factors like blood sugar levels, overall health, and other medical conditions, age, lifestyle, and personal preferences and goals can plan a role in your tailored treatment plan.

Looking for independent care options?

Get virtual care

Find in-person care

Managing a healthy lifestyle
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Managing a healthy lifestyle and habits is one of the ways you can take care of yourself during your treatment journey. It's important to focus on the 5 pillars of well-being: movement, food, stress management, sleep, and connection.

Explore science-backed articles and videos in our well-being library.

Visit the well-being library

For additional community resources to help you feel more connected, check out Diabetes Australia website to find events, resources, and more.

Visit Diabetes Australia website

Treatment options
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Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can work together as part of your treatment plan. After you discuss lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest other medical treatments. These treatments may help control your blood sugar levels and improve how your body uses sugar.

Some treatments can improve blood sugar a lot. This makes it easier for you to continue your health journey with better diabetes care.

•  There are medications available.  Some medications are pills and some are shots. They work in different ways to lower blood sugar.

•  Insulin therapy.  Insulin shots, pens, or pumps help your body use sugar the right way and keep blood sugar healthy.

•  Blood sugar monitors (CGM).  Small devices under your skin track your blood sugar all day and night. They give you and your doctor real-time information.

•  Insulin pumps.  These small devices attach to your body. They give you insulin all day for better blood sugar control.

Monitoring and management
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Regular monitoring helps you and your care team track how well your treatment plan is working. This typically includes checking your blood sugar levels at home, getting A1C tests every 3-6 months, and scheduling regular check-ups. Your care team may also recommend routine eye exams, foot care, and other health screenings to help prevent complications.
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MANAGE YOUR DIET
The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet

Australia's highest rated diet program, with expert nutrition, easy tracking tools, and community support designed to help you get the most from your obesity management journey.

  • High protein to prevent muscle loss
  • Easy-to-use tracking tools
  • At-home exercise plans
  • High protein shake option
  • Community support and expert webinars
Highest rated Weight Loss Service on Trustpilot in Australia and 2024 Product Review winner, weight loss category.
Learn more
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Resources and support

Resources for life's stages

If you are a loved one or an individual with T2D, resources are available.
Visit Diabetes Australia
Visit Beyond Type 2
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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
Connection
Connection
Food
Food
Movement
Movement
Sleep
Sleep
Stress Management
Stress Management
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All Pillars
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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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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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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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