Diabetes: what is it?
There are 2 main types of diabetes: type 1 (previously known as insulin dependent); and type 2 (previously known as non-insulin dependent). A third type of diabetes is called gestational diabetes. This form of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after child birth.
- Diabetes is the world's fastest growing disease. It is the seventh major cause of death due to disease in Australia.
- The Federal Government includes diabetes as one of its national health priorities, with a cost to the nation exceeding 1.2 billion dollars per year.
- Every 10 minutes, someone somewhere in Australia is diagnosed with diabetes.
- It is estimated that over one million Australians have diabetes, half of whom are undiagnosed (type 2 diabetes).
- As this massive growth rate continues its steady climb, it is estimated that more than 1.7 million people will have diabetes by 2010.
Last Reviewed: 07 July 2003
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