Skip to content
Indigenous Australian mother watching over a family celebration at home

Type 2 diabetes

If you or someone you know has type 2 diabetes, read this page to understand what it is and how to manage it.

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

Explore topics

Register with NDSS

NDSS registration can give you the support services and subsidised products you need to manage your diabetes.

Diabetes products

Your NDSS registration gives you access to subsidised products.

NDSS Helpline

Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 for diabetes support and to learn more about the NDSS.

Health care team

Form a health care team who can help you set goals and manage your diabetes confidently.

Living with diabetes

With so many factors to consider, you probably have questions and concerns about how diabetes can fit into your lifestyle.

Diabetes health checks

It is important to have regular health checks to identify problems early and put the best treatment in place.

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.

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?

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.

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

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 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.

Peer support for diabetes fact sheet

Connecting with other people who have diabetes is an effective means of accessing peer support. Sharing your experiences with others can help you feel less alone.

Download now
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

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.

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.

Woman shopping for nutrition supplement

I am planning pregnancy

Everything you need to know when planning a pregnancy if you have type 2 diabetes.

Older person on phone

I am getting older

Get the support and information you need to help you age well with diabetes.

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.

Young friends socialising over breakfast

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.

Group exercising

DESMOND

This comprehensive group-based program will give you the confidence to manage your type 2 diabetes.

Pre-recorded webinars

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

Type 2 diabetes and me

Available anywhere, anytime. These short modules will help you learn the basics of living with type 2 diabetes.

Woman using laptop computer at home

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.  

Carb counting

Available anywhere, anytime. These short modules will teach you how to recognise and count carbohydrates (carbs), to help in managing your diabetes.

Featured webinars

Woman with headache
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, diabetes 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.

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.

Learn about the artwork