What is type 2 diabetes? When you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas either cannot make any or enough insulin, and/or the insulin it makes does not work very well (also known as insulin resistance). This results in too much glucose in the bloodstream. Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes: adults, young adults and even children. Type 2 diabetes results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Read more in our fact sheet. Watch our video about registering with the NDSS. Understanding type 2 diabetes fact sheet Type 2 diabetes can be managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity. Over time, glucose-lowering medications may also be needed to help keep blood glucose levels in the target range. Available in other languages Download now Type 2 diabetes and me These short modules will help you learn the basics of living with type 2 diabetes. Access now I have been diagnosed with diabetes, what do I do now? Explore topics Register with NDSS NDSS registration can give you the support services and subsidised products you need to manage your diabetes. Register now Diabetes products Your NDSS registration gives you access to subsidised products. Find out more NDSS Helpline Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 for diabetes support and to learn more about the NDSS. Find out more Health care team Form a health care team who can help you set goals and manage your diabetes confidently. Find out more Living with diabetes With so many factors to consider, you probably have questions and concerns about how diabetes can fit into your lifestyle. Find out more Diabetes health checks It is important to have regular health checks to identify problems early and put the best treatment in place. Find out more Type 2 diabetes in children and young adults Type 2 diabetes is usually more commonly seen in middle-age or older adults. But with the rise of obesity in children, it is now also being diagnosed in young people, in particular among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and children with non-European backgrounds. Find out more. Managing your type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes can be managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity. Research has shown that weight loss can slow the progression of type 2 diabetes. Over time, you may also need glucose lowering medicines such as tablets, non-insulin injectable medications, and insulin injections to lower blood glucose levels. When type 2 diabetes progresses, some people will need insulin injections to help keep their blood glucose levels in their target range. Managing type 2 diabetes is a team effort. You can involve your family, friends and diabetes health professionals. What happens in your body after you eat carbohydrate (carb) food? Register with the NDSS If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, NDSS registration can give you the support services and subsidised products you need to manage your diabetes. NDSS registration is free. For more information visit the registration section of this website. Managing your health Read more about self-managing your health and preventing health complications. This includes information on: eye damage kidney health foot health depression. Like everyone, people living with type 2 diabetes get sick with everyday illnesses such as influenza (flu), a cold, gastro, or other common infections. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do if you get sick. Read more in our fact sheet or watch our webinar. Living well with type 2 diabetes – what to do when you are sick fact sheet Like everyone, people living with type 2 diabetes get sick with everyday illnesses such as influenza (flu), a cold, gastro, or other common infections. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do. Download now Living well with type 2 diabetes – managing diabetes when you are sick webinar This pre-recorded webinar gives helpful tips on how to look after type 2 diabetes during times of illness or stress. Watch now Starting insulin Starting insulin If you have type 2 diabetes and haven’t started using insulin—or have just started using insulin—you may want to find out more about insulin and what it might mean for you. Find out more Peer support brings people with similar experiences together Peer support is connecting with peers—who are similar to you—living with diabetes. Peer support can take many forms, including a casual conversation with a peer to a formal, face-to-face, structured group. Find out more about peer support. Read more about peer support in our fact sheets. Adjusting to life with diabetes fact sheet A diagnosis of diabetes can come as a shock. First reactions may be disbelief, sadness, anger or self-blame. Usually, these feelings ease after a while and diabetes becomes part of life. Download now Your emotional health is as important as your physical health If diabetes is affecting your well-being, it is important to know when and how to seek support. We are all better able to deal with our emotions when we have support. If you are having trouble adjusting to life with diabetes, talk to your health professional. They will assess the problem and help you work out strategies to live well with diabetes. You might also like to talk to a psychologist. They will help you find ways to adjust to life with diabetes. Read more in our fact sheets. When and how psychologists can support people with diabetes fact sheet Most people with diabetes manage well most of the time. But it is okay to acknowledge if you are struggling. Many people benefit from specialist emotional support from a psychologist. Download now When and how a psychologist can support me quick guide This quick guide answers common questions about psychologist support. Available in other languages Download It is important to keep a healthy mind while living with diabetes. Diabetes can be really tough to live with. Feeling down or worried about your diabetes does not necessarily mean you have a mental health condition. But, if you do, you are not alone, and help is available. Find out more. How are you going with your diabetes health checks? It is essential to do an annual cycle of care to find any health problems early. Without regular checks, diabetes can lead to health problems that can affect your whole body, including your kidneys, eyes, feet, nerves and heart. Ask your doctor for the timing of health checks and targets that meet your individual health needs. Read more in our fact sheet or listen to our podcast series. Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year. Download now Annual cycle of care podcast series Listen to our Annual cycle of care podcast series to learn more about what it is, why it’s important, and what you need to know about it. Available in other languages Listen now Support on your journey with diabetes Moving into adulthood As you get older you become more independent in managing your diabetes. Find out more I am planning pregnancy Everything you need to know when planning a pregnancy if you have type 2 diabetes. Find out more I am getting older Get the support and information you need to help you age well with diabetes. Find out more More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a diabetes educator or dietitian. Find a diabetes educator near you Go to Australian Diabetes Educators Association to find a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) on their website. Go to Australian Diabetes Educators Association Find a dietitian near you Call Dietitians Australia on 1800 812 942 or you can find an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) on their website. Go to Dietitians Australia Find a health service or health professional near you Go to healthdirect to find a diabetes health service or diabetes health professional on their website. Go to Healthdirect Free access to diabetes programs Learn to manage your diabetes confidently with diabetes programs, available face-to-face and online. Register for a diabetes program. Peer support There are a number of peer support options available to ensure you aren’t going through things alone, including face-to-face and online groups. Explore peer support options DESMOND This comprehensive group-based program will give you the confidence to manage your type 2 diabetes. Book a program Pre-recorded webinars We have a range of pre-recorded webinars available to watch at anytime from anywhere. Find a pre-recorded webinar Type 2 diabetes and me Available anywhere, anytime. These short modules will help you learn the basics of living with type 2 diabetes. Go to Type 2 diabetes and me Ready set go, let’s move online These online modules help you become more active, showcasing the benefits of moving more and helping you to get there in your own time. Go to modules Carb counting Available anywhere, anytime. These short modules will teach you how to recognise and count carbohydrates (carbs), to help in managing your diabetes. Go to Carb counting Featured webinars Hypoglycaemia management for type 2 diabetes webinar This on-demand webinar is for people with type 2 diabetes who want to increase their knowledge and confidence in managing hypoglycaemia (also known as hypo or low blood glucose level). Watch now Living well with type 2 diabetes – managing diabetes when you are sick webinar This pre-recorded webinar gives helpful tips on how to look after type 2 diabetes during times of illness or stress. Watch now Blood glucose monitoring for type 2 diabetes webinar This pre-recorded webinar is for people with type 2 diabetes who want to increase their knowledge and confidence in looking after their blood glucose levels. Watch now Featured resources Information for people with type 2 diabetes This booklet explains the services and products available to you through the NDSS and provides general information about type 2 diabetes. It is a great starting point to help you with managing your diabetes Download Understanding type 2 diabetes fact sheet Type 2 diabetes can be managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity. Over time, glucose-lowering medications may also be needed to help keep blood glucose levels in the target range. Available in other languages Download now Living well with type 2 diabetes – what to do when you are sick fact sheet Like everyone, people living with type 2 diabetes get sick with everyday illnesses such as influenza (flu), a cold, gastro, or other common infections. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do. Download now Healthy food choices fact sheet Healthy eating, along with regular physical activity, can help you look after your diabetes. It can also help you manage other risk factors like high blood pressure, or unhealthy cholesterol. Download now Physical activity fact sheet Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to improve your general health. It can also help manage your diabetes. Available in other languages Download now Medications for type 2 diabetes fact sheet When you are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you may not need to take medication. Over time, you may need glucose-lowering medication to help keep blood glucose levels in the target range. Download now Starting insulin If you have type 2 diabetes and haven’t started using insulin—or have just started using insulin—you may want to find out more about insulin and what it might mean for you. Find out more Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year. Download now The NDSS and you A wide range of services and support is available through the NDSS to help you manage your diabetes. The services, education programs and subsidised products available, can help you stay on top of your diabetes. You can also call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700. Disclaimer This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, or further questions, you should contact your health professional.
