Diabetes in Australia: Everything you need to know

Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic illness in Australia, with 1.3 million (or one in 20) of us suffering from the condition. That number jumps up to one in five if you’re over the age of 75. 

If things continue on the current trajectory, up to three million Australians over the age of 25 will have diabetes by the year 2025. Needless to say, diabetes is having a huge impact on the health of Australians, as well as our health-care system. 

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high, and your body can’t regulate it to a healthy level. It’s a complex condition that can impact your whole body.

In essence, people with diabetes no longer produce (or don’t produce enough of) a hormone called insulin – which is essential for the conversion of glucose (sugars from food) into energy. So, if you have diabetes and eat foods that contain sugars or starches – like breads, cereals, fruits and sweets – these can’t be converted into energy and the level of glucose in the blood rises to levels that can be harmful to your health. 

It can lead to a number of serious and chronic illnesses and disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems, including:

• Blindness
• Kidney failure
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
• Limb amputations

What are the types of diabetes?

There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. 

Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10 percent of all diabetes case in Australia, while type 2 diabetes accounts for 85 percent of all diabetes in Australia. They both have things in common, but there are also lots of differences, like what causes them, who they affect and how you should manage them. 

The main difference is that type 1 diabetes is a genetic autoimmune condition that can show up early in life, and sees your immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. 

Type 2, however, develops over time due to lifestyle-related factors. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy, and can impact both the mother and the baby.   

What causes diabetes?

The exact cause of most types of diabetes is still a mystery, although it’s thought that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. The risk factors for type 1 diabetes are unknown, while risk factors for type 2 can often be weight and ethnicity. Gestational diabetes is sometimes related to hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy, as well as genes and weight gain.  

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

While the symptoms for both type 1 and 2 diabetes can be similar, they present much faster for those suffering from type 1, and can be life-threatening. 

Common symptoms include:

• Extreme thirst
• Urinate a lot
• Feelings of tiredness and lethargy
• Constant hunger
• Slow-healing wounds
• Blurred vision
• Itching/skin infections
• Weight loss (type 1)
• Weight gain (type 2)
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Leg cramps.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes are often less obvious than type 1 and 2, but can include thirstiness, increased urination, tiredness and thrush. 

What are the early signs of diabetes?

Early warning signs for diabetes can be so mild that you don’t notice them – or, you attribute them to other stages of your life. Like, ‘this is what happens when you get old’, or ‘I’m pregnant, this is normal.’ But if you notice a persistent change in your body and health relating to the symptoms above, seek medical advice immediately. 

What’s the ideal diabetes diet plan?

If you have diabetes, you need to be conscious of what you eat – diet is imperative. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Diabetes Australia recommends that you follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines for basic health advice for adults and children. It’s a good idea to speak to your doctor before making any dietary changes to manage your diabetes.

How to change up your diet

In essence, you want a healthy-eating plan that will help you control your blood sugar, revolving around three meals a day and incorporating:

• Healthy carbohydrates: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, low-fat dairy products
• Fibre-rich foods: Vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains
• Fish: rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, tuna, sardines
• Good fats: Avocado, canola oil.

Foods to avoid

Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke by accelerating the development of clogged and hardened arteries. Avoid the following for a heart-healthy diet:

• Saturated fats: High-fat dairy products like creamy cheese and yogurt, as well as high-fat meats such as hot dogs, sausage and bacon
• Trans fats: Processed snacks (chips, biscuits), baked goods (cakes, breads)
• Cholesterol: High-fat dairy products and high-fat meats, egg yolks
• Sodium: Say goodbye to salt.

Childhood diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in children – type 2 is rarely seen during childhood and adolescence. There’s no cure for type 1 diabetes in children, but it can be managed. 

Risk factors

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes in children include:

• Family history: Anyone with a parent or siblings with type 1 diabetes has a slightly increased risk of developing the condition
• Genetics: Certain genes indicate an increased risk of type 1 diabetes
• Race: Certain races are at an increased risk of type 1 diabetes.

Is it hereditary?

Your genes can play a role in type 1 diabetes, but they’re not the whole story. Like much in life, it’s a mix of nature and nurture.

If you would like to speak to an Australian-registered doctor, we can help.

This article was written by Natasha Dragun, she has been writing about health and wellness for more than 20 years.