Living with Diabetes — Diabetes Australia reports that 280 Australians develop diabetes every day, and it is the fastest growing chronic condition in this country.

The current statistics from Diabetes Australia estimate that 10% of these are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and 85-90% with type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is also increasing in prevalence. 

There are different types of diabetes; all types are complex and serious. The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Diabetes type 1

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition that has no cure and can't be prevented. It is not linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. 

Diabetes type 2

Type 2 is largely a preventable condition. By modifying behavioural and lifestyle factors the risk decreases. The common risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include:

• being overweight or obese, obese people are 4 times more likely to develop diabetes type 2, and overweight people are twice as likely to develop diabetes
• carrying excess weight around the waist
• insufficient physical activity
• unhealthy diet, and 
• high blood pressure.

Those with a family history of diabetes have a genetic disposition to developing type 2 diabetes.

Genes have also been identified as increasing the risk of diabetes type 2 in some cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Chinese, South Asian, Indian, and Pacific Islander people. Although inherited genes may influence the development of type 2 diabetes, modification of behaviour and lifestyle are the most important preventative measures.

Potential complications are the same for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and include heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, limb amputation, depression, anxiety and blindness.

We know diabetes:

• is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults
• is a leading cause of kidney failure and dialysis
• increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to 4 times
• is a major cause of limb amputations, and
• affects physical health as well as mental health — depression, anxiety and distress occur in more than 30% of all people with diabetes.

For more information visit Diabetes Australia.

Why not read some of our articles on staying healthy that relate to diabetes:

• Exercise
• Healthy eating

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