In short: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in Australia, affecting close to a million people. It develops when the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly, so blood glucose (sugar) rises. It can often be managed well with healthy eating, physical activity, weight management and, when needed, medicines — guided by regular checks with your GP.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from your blood into your cells, where it is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells stop responding to it properly (known as insulin resistance). As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used by the body.
Over time, high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, which is why diabetes is linked to problems with the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves and feet. The good news is that managing your blood glucose well, and looking after your overall health, substantially lowers these risks.
Type 2 vs Type 1 and Pre-Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a different condition, usually diagnosed earlier in life, where the body makes little or no insulin and lifelong insulin treatment is essential. Pre-diabetes means blood glucose is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. Pre-diabetes is an important warning sign, and lifestyle changes at this stage can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from developing.
What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly, and many people have no symptoms in the early stages — which is why screening matters. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Passing more urine than usual, especially at night
- Feeling tired or low in energy
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and wounds that are slow to heal
- Frequent infections, such as thrush or urinary infections
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
These symptoms can have many causes, so they do not necessarily mean you have diabetes. A simple blood test is the way to find out.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
You may be at higher risk of type 2 diabetes if you:
- Are over 40 years of age
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Are above a healthy weight, particularly with extra weight around the waist
- Are not very physically active
- Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Had gestational (pregnancy) diabetes, or gave birth to a large baby
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Are from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, South Asian, or some other backgrounds with higher rates of diabetes
How Often Should I Be Checked?
Even without symptoms, it is recommended that your doctor checks your risk of type 2 diabetes every 3 years from 40 years of age. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are recommended to have screening blood tests every year from 18 years of age. Your GP can advise what is right for you based on your individual risk.
How Is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests, which may include:
- A fasting blood glucose test
- An HbA1c test, which reflects your average blood glucose over the past few months
- An oral glucose tolerance test, where your glucose is measured before and after a sugary drink
Your GP will explain which tests are appropriate and what your results mean. You can have these tests done conveniently with our on-site pathology and blood tests.
How Is Type 2 Diabetes Managed?
Type 2 diabetes is managed with a combination of healthy lifestyle measures and, where needed, medicines. The aim is to keep blood glucose in a healthy range and to reduce the risk of complications.
Healthy Eating
A balanced eating pattern is central to managing type 2 diabetes. In general this means plenty of vegetables, wholegrains and high-fibre foods, choosing healthier fats, and limiting sugary drinks and highly processed foods. An Accredited Practising Dietitian can help you build a realistic plan that suits your tastes, budget and culture.
Physical Activity
Regular movement helps your body use insulin more effectively and supports a healthy weight. Most adults are encouraged to aim for regular activity across the week; your GP can help you start safely, especially if you have other health conditions.
Weight Management
If you are above a healthy weight, losing even a modest amount — around 5% to 10% of your body weight — can meaningfully improve blood glucose control. Small, sustainable changes tend to work better than crash diets.
Medicines
Many people with type 2 diabetes need medicine to help manage their blood glucose, in addition to lifestyle measures. There are several types, and some people eventually use insulin. Your GP will discuss the options and tailor treatment to you.
Regular Reviews and Care Plans
Ongoing review is an important part of staying well with diabetes. This includes monitoring blood glucose and HbA1c, and regular checks of your blood pressure, cholesterol, kidneys, eyes and feet. For eligible patients, a GP Management Plan can help coordinate this care, including access to allied health support. Learn more about our chronic disease management services.
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented?
For many people at risk, type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through healthy eating, regular activity and maintaining a healthy weight. If you have pre-diabetes, these changes are especially valuable. Your GP can assess your risk and help you make a plan.
How Reliance Medical Centre Can Help
Our GPs at Reliance Medical Centre in Truganina can assess your diabetes risk, arrange the right blood tests, confirm a diagnosis, and work with you on a management plan suited to your needs — including referrals to our on-site allied health team. We provide:
- Diabetes risk assessment and screening blood tests
- Diagnosis and ongoing review
- GP Management Plans and care coordination for eligible patients
- Dietitian, exercise physiology and other allied health support
To discuss your health, book an appointment online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes often has no symptoms early on. When symptoms appear, they can include feeling very thirsty, passing more urine than usual, tiredness, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds and frequent infections. Because symptoms may be absent, a blood test is the only reliable way to know, which is why regular risk checks are recommended.
How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
It is diagnosed with blood tests, which may include a fasting blood glucose test, an HbA1c test (which shows your average blood glucose over a few months), or an oral glucose tolerance test. Your GP will explain which tests are appropriate for you and what the results mean.
Can type 2 diabetes be reversed or cured?
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition, but it can often be managed very well, and some people are able to bring their blood glucose back into a healthy range with weight loss and lifestyle changes. Whether this is possible depends on individual circumstances. Your GP can advise what is realistic for you and help you set goals.
What should I eat if I have type 2 diabetes?
A balanced eating pattern with plenty of vegetables, wholegrains and high-fibre foods, healthier fats, and limited sugary drinks and highly processed foods supports good blood glucose control. There is no single "diabetes diet" that suits everyone. An Accredited Practising Dietitian can help you build a plan that fits your tastes, budget and culture.
How often should I be screened for type 2 diabetes?
It is recommended that your doctor checks your risk every 3 years from 40 years of age, even if you feel well. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are recommended to have screening blood tests every year from 18 years of age. People at higher risk may need checking more often, as advised by their GP.
What happens if type 2 diabetes is not managed?
Persistently high blood glucose can, over time, damage blood vessels and nerves and increase the risk of problems with the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves and feet. Managing your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, and attending regular reviews, substantially lowers these risks. Your GP will help you keep on track.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Healthdirect Australia — Type 2 diabetes and Diabetes screening tests
- Diabetes Australia — Type 2 diabetes
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Government) — Diabetes
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Diabetes care should be individualised. Please do not start, stop or change any treatment without guidance. If you have concerns about your health, please consult your GP.
