About diabetes Facts about diabetes Diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century and the biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system. There are currently almost 1.5 million Australians (about 5.5% of the population) living with all types of diabetes (known and registered on the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)) and up to 500,000 people living with silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Understanding diabetes and its seriousness is important. If you are living with any type of diabetes, you need to learn how to manage your diabetes If you have a family member or friend with diabetes, you can learn how to support them If you are a teacher or employer, you have a duty of care to provide a safe environment If you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to prevent, slow down its progression or even put your type 2 diabetes into remission. What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood. Learn more Type 1 diabetes What is type 1 diabetes? Learn more Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin and gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin. Learn more Diabetes in Australia Facts and figures about diabetes in Australia Learn more Almost 2 million Australians are estimated to be living with diabetes. Diabetes globally Diabetes is recognised as the world’s fastest growing chronic condition. Learn more Find out more: About pre-diabetes, about gestational diabetes and diabetes myths & facts.
