Diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century and the biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system. Around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes. This includes all types of diagnosed diabetes (1.2 million known and registered) as well as silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (up to 500,000 estimated).

Understanding diabetes and its seriousness is important.

• If you are living with 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
• Importantly, if you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to prevent or slow down diabetes.

• 280 Australians develop diabetes every day. That’s one person every five minutes
• It is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia
• More than 100,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year
• For every person diagnosed with diabetes there is usually a family member or carer who also ‘lives with diabetes’ every day in a support role. This means that an estimated 2.4 million Australians are affected by diabetes every day
• In 2013, diabetes caused 5.1 million deaths globally.

Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. Diabetes requires daily self care and if complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and can reduce life expectancy. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it.

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.

To find out more about diabetes, click here: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

NDSS Helpline: 1800 637 700