About diabetes... Diabetes Australia

Home | Login or Become a Member

Latest News
Latest Research

03 July 2009

Diabetes Australia-NSW is aware that concerns have been raised about a possible link between glargine (Lantus) insulin and cancer.

01 July 2009

Fast food giants agree to reduce advertising targeting children

Seven of Australia’s fast food chains have agreed to only advertise food options that meet specific nutrition criteria in children’s television programs.

24 June 2009

Sleep apnoea common in those with type 2 diabetes and obesity

If you have type 2 diabetes and are carrying too much weight, then there’s a good chance you may suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea.

22 June 2009

Snoring pregnant women at higher risk of gestational diabetes

Women who snore when they are pregnant are at four times greater risk of developing gestational diabetes than women who don’t snore.

About diabetes - What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Glucose is the main source of energy for the body and comes from carbohydrate foods we eat. Carbohydrate foods include bread, pasta, rice, cereals, fruits, starchy vegetables and milk and yoghurt. The body, breaks carbohydrates down to glucose which then enters the blood stream. For glucose to enter the cells and be used for energy, a hormone called insulin must be available.

Diabetes occurs when the body does not make insulin or when the insulin that is made is not working properly. This leads to increased blood glucose levels and diabetes.

Types of diabetes are: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition when blood glucose levels are higher then normal but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Two million Australians have pre-diabetes which if left untreated may develop into type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. In addition to the risk of developing diabetes, people with pre-diabetes have an increased of having a heart attack or stroke. Click here to learn more about pre-diabetes and how to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

You can learn more about good diabetes management in living well with diabetes.

New to diabetes?
You probably have many questions. Some of which may be answered in our What is Diabetes Fact Sheet.