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Type 2 diabetes in young people

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. 8 or 9 out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes: adults, young adults and even children.

Unlike someone with type 1 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.

Type 2 diabetes can be managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Read more in our fact sheets.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Read more about type 2 diabetes in children and young adults.

More young people in Australia are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Any diagnosis of diabetes affects your whole family. Each of you needs some support in adjusting to the diagnosis. Parents often experience feeling some form of guilt or responsibility. Siblings may feel that their needs are not being met. Children and teenagers have different ways of coping with diabetes.

Read more in our booklet Information for people with type 2 diabetes.

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

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What happens in your body after you eat carbohydrate (carb) food?

What happens in your body after you eat carbohydrate (carb) food?

Moving into adulthood

There will come a point—usually around 16–18 years old, when as a person with type 2 diabetes, you will make the move from childhood medical support services and specialists to adult medical care. This is a big step and it can be quite daunting to leave behind the team that you may have known and trusted for years.

One of the biggest differences between child and adult health services is the independence that you will gain. But at the same time, you will be expected to know how to manage and take control of your diabetes yourself.

Talk to your healthcare team to find out when and how this process will take place for you.

Do not worry—there is plenty of information to help you through this transition.

Read more about the transition from child to adult diabetes health care.

Camps for young people

Camps are safe places for children and young people to learn more about living with diabetes with the support and guidance of health professionals. Find out more about camps.

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.

Starting out with type 2 diabetes

This live webinar is for people who have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Find an online program.

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.

Pre-recorded webinars

We have a range of pre-recorded webinars available to watch at anytime from anywhere.

Find a pre-recorded webinar.

Related resources

Featured resources

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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