Diabetes in Australia
- Diabetes occurs when the pancreas gland no longer produces enough insulin or the insulin produced is not working effectively.
- Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is needed to move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells where it is stored or used for energy.
- Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia.
- Around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes, although half of these people are not aware of their diabetes.
- By 2031, it is predicted that 3.3 million Australians will have diabetes.
- 85 to 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes costs Australia 10 billion dollars per year.
- Being overweight or obese and lifestyle factors such as not exercising and eating an unhealthy diet can contribute to type 2 diabetes, as can a genetic predisposition.
- Research has shown that changes in lifestyle can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle factors.
Last Reviewed: 06 July 2011
- 1. Diabetes Australia. Diabetes in Australia. http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/Understanding-Diabetes/Diabetes-in-Australia/ (accessed Jul 2011).
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