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. Available in other languages 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 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 Download 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. 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 Just been diagnosed? FAQs Featured resources Information for people with type 2 diabetes Understanding type 2 diabetes Healthy food choices Physical activity
