What is diabetes?
Understanding the condition affecting 1.9 million Australians
Facts about diabetes in Australia.
- Over 300 Australians develop diabetes every day.
- More than 1.9 million Australians currently live with diabetes.
- Approximately 500,000 people don’t yet know they have type 2 diabetes.
- Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.
- Costs over $14billion per year to the Australian economy
- Eating foods that are high GI (glycaemic index) can make controlling diabetes more difficult. Learn more about the GI and how it can be used to manage diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. This happens either because the pancreas produces little or no insulin, or because the body does not respond to insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose from food to enter the body’s cells and be used for energy.
Without sufficient insulin or insulin response, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. Over time, persistently high blood glucose causes serious damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels and nerves.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in Australia. Approximately 1.9 million Australians are currently diagnosed with diabetes, and an estimated 500,000 people are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Around 300 Australians receive a new diabetes diagnosis every day.
415 million people live with diabetes worldwide, a number that is expected to rise to 642 million by 2040. Every 6 seconds someone dies from diabetes-related complications.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin and must manage their blood glucose through daily insulin injections or an insulin pump for the rest of their lives.
Type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 10% of all diabetes cases in Australia. It most commonly develops in children and young adults, though it can occur at any age. The onset is often rapid, and without insulin, type 1 diabetes can be life-threatening.
There is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes.
- An autoimmune disease.
- The pancreas doesn’t produce insulin which we need to let blood glucose into cells for energy.
- Insulin-producing cells (beta cells) are destroyed by mistake.
- Develops quickly requiring insulin injections for life and to survive.
- Approximately 10% of people with diabetes have type 1.
- Mostly occurs at a young age but can occur later in life.
- Risk of serious complications later in life.
Find out more about type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively — a condition known as insulin resistance. It accounts for approximately 85% of all diabetes diagnoses in Australia.
Type 2 diabetes typically develops gradually, often over many years, and may go undetected for some time. Risk factors include family history, excess weight, physical inactivity, and age. Lifestyle changes and medication can manage type 2 diabetes effectively, and in some cases, significant lifestyle modification can achieve remission.
- Occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body doesn’t use it (insulin resistant).
- Is the most common form of diabetes with 85% of people living with diabetes having type 2.
- Develops gradually over a longer period of time, sometimes going unnoticed.
- Stronger link to family history than type 1.
- Lifestyle factors such as obesity and reduced activity can trigger type 2 diabetes.
- Complications such as heart disease, kidney failure or blindness can occur.
Find out more about type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. It affects approximately 1 in 5 pregnancies in Australia.
Gestational diabetes is detected through routine glucose screening and is managed through dietary changes, monitoring, and sometimes medication. While it typically resolves after birth, both the mother and child have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Approximately 5% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes.
- Is a temporary form of diabetes occurring during pregnancy.
- High blood glucose levels are detected during routine screening.
- The body is unable to produce enough insulin necessary during pregnancy.
- Careful management and treatment are required.
- The condition disappears following birth.
- Both mother and her baby are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Find out more about gestational diabetes.
The impact of diabetes in Australia
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death in Australia. Its complications include:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney failure (diabetic nephropathy)
- Vision loss and blindness (diabetic retinopathy)
- Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
- Lower limb amputations
- Increased susceptibility to infection
The economic cost of diabetes to the Australian health system is estimated at more than $14 billion per year. The personal cost to those living with the condition and their families and carers is far greater.
Frequently asked questions about diabetes
Q: Is diabetes a disease or a condition?
A: Diabetes mellitus is classified as a chronic disease. It is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. The term ‘condition’ is also commonly used, particularly in patient-centred communication.
Q: What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
A: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces no insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it effectively. Type 1 is not preventable; type 2 has modifiable risk factors including diet, physical activity and weight.
Q: Can diabetes be cured?
A: There is currently no cure for type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, research including studies funded by Diabetes Research WA is working towards cures and better treatments. Some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission through significant lifestyle changes.
Q: What is the glycaemic index and why does it matter for diabetes?
A: The glycaemic index (GI) measures how quickly a carbohydrate food raises blood glucose levels. Foods with a low GI release glucose more slowly, which helps with blood glucose management. For people living with diabetes, choosing lower-GI foods can reduce glucose spikes and improve long-term control.
Q: How is Diabetes Research WA working to help people with diabetes?
A: DRWA funds research into the prevention, treatment and cure of all forms of diabetes, conducted by WA-based scientists. Our current and recent programs include oral insulin trials, retinopathy research, gestational diabetes screening, and inflammation-pathway therapies. Every donation directly supports this work.
