Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for around 85–90% of all cases in Australia. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes develops over time and is influenced by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, including excess weight, physical inactivity, and poor diet. It can affect people of any age, though it is more common in adults over 45.
Symptoms
Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms initially. When symptoms do occur, they may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds.
Management
Type 2 diabetes is managed through a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, and medications where needed. Some people also require insulin therapy as the condition progresses.
How Angie Can Help
Angie Llewellyn is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator with over 30 years of experience supporting people with type 2 diabetes. She provides personalised education and coaching via telehealth, helping you understand your condition and feel confident managing it day to day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it, causing blood glucose levels to rise. It's the most common form of diabetes, accounting for around 85-90% of all diabetes cases in Australia.
What are the early signs of type 2 diabetes?
Common signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing cuts or wounds. Many people have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular screening matters, especially if you have risk factors.
Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
For some people, particularly soon after diagnosis, significant lifestyle changes and weight loss can bring blood glucose back into the normal range without medication, often called remission. This isn't achievable for everyone, and ongoing monitoring is still needed even in remission.
Do I need medication for type 2 diabetes?
Not always. Some people manage type 2 diabetes with diet and physical activity alone, especially early on. Others need medication such as metformin, and some eventually need insulin. Treatment is individual and can change over time.
How often should I check my blood glucose?
This depends on your treatment plan. People using insulin typically check more often than those managing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle alone. A diabetes educator can help you work out a monitoring routine that fits your situation.
Is diabetes education with a telehealth appointment covered by Medicare?
With a GP referral and a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, eligible patients can access Medicare rebates for allied health visits, including diabetes education, delivered by telehealth anywhere in Australia.