Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term condition where blood glucose levels become too high as the body either produces little or no insulin, or can't use insulin properly.

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Pre-diabetes

Having pre-diabetes does not mean you will necessarily develop type 2 diabetes, but you will have a higher risk than if you had normal glucose levels.

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Diabetes screening tests

A diabetes screening test may be a good idea if you are at high risk since diabetes can occur without symptoms. Find out about the risks and how diabetes screening tests are carried out.

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Diabetes testing and monitoring

Trusted information about diabetes testing and monitoring, blood sugar testing equipment and ketone testing equipment can be found on this page.

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Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

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Diabetes medication

There are many types of diabetes medicine, such as insulin, metformin and sulphonylureas. There's no one-size-fits-all medicine for diabetes.

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Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects people with diabetes. It can cause numbness but symptoms depend on which nerves are damaged.

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Diabetic retinopathy

Discover how diabetes can slowly damage your retina (the layer of light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye), leading to diabetic retinopathy.

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Type 1 diabetes

Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can be overwhelming. However, while the condition is not curable, there are ways to manage it successfully.

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Gestational diabetes

Find out about the causes, risk factors and potential complications of gestational diabetes, when during pregnancy it occurs, and how it can be managed.

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Diabetic ketoacidosis

Information about diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition caused when you have a high blood sugar level, and not enough insulin in your body to break it down to use for energy .

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Insulin and diabetes

Trusted information about insulin and diabetes, storing insulin, taking insulin, and what to do if you run out of insulin or your insulin is out of date can be found on this page.

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Stay safe while flying with diabetes

If you live with diabetes and travel by plane, forward preparation is crucial. Use these tips on meals, insulin and emergency planning so you arrive safely.

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Why a diabetes test might be overdue for you

Diabetes is being diagnosed too late in many Australians, and by delaying a visit to the doctor they put themselves at risk of life-threatening health problems.

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Insulin and non-insulin injection devices for diabetes

Insulin and non-insulin medicines used to treat diabetes may need to be injected. Different types of delivery devices available for these medicines include pens, pumps, jets and syringes. Read more on how to use your device safely and effectively here.

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Find out your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease with this quick test

Healthdirect, with the George Institute, has developed a free online risk calculator to help prevent heart disease, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

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HbA1c test

An HbA1c is a type of blood test which is used to help diagnose and monitor people with diabetes.

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Risk Checker

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes in just a few minutes using the healthdirect Risk Checker.

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Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that raise the risk of stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Find out its symptoms and treatments.

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Metformin

Metformin is a medicine that is commonly prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. To get metformin, you need to have a prescription written for you by your doctor. Find out more about metformin on this page.

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Fatty liver

Fatty liver is common, particularly in people with diabetes and who are overweight. Although it might not cause any symptoms, it can lead to significant health problems. Making changes to your lifestyle is key to preventing and improving the condition.

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Endocrine diseases

Follow the links on this page to find trusted information about endocrine diseases.

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Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)

Hyperglycaemia is having too much glucose (sugar) in your blood. Find out more about the effects of hyperglycaemia and steps to take when your blood sugar level is higher than it should be.

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Amputation

An amputation can affect every area of a person’s life, both at home and at work. They will need plenty of help and support as they adapt.

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Sugar

Learn more about both natural and added sugars, sweet substitutes and how to reduce your intake to help prevent conditions such as obesity.

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Long-term illness and finances

After being diagnosed with a long-term illness, it's important to think about the cost of treatment and support, travel and accommodation costs and childcare. Learn more here.

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How to talk to someone about diabetes

Almost 300 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes every day. But type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed, if you know the risk factors.

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Eye diseases

Find information on common eye diseases, such as conjunctivitis, glaucoma, refractive errors, cataracts, colour blindness, diabetic retinopathy and keratoconus.

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Junk food and your health

Consuming junk food can lead to short and long-term health complications such as weight gain, diabetes and heart problems.

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Blood glucose test

Blood glucose tests (blood sugar tests) are used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. Find out how to prepare for this test and what your results mean.

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