Understanding Diabetes: Types, Symptoms and Risk Factors
- Good Country Physio
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
A simple guide to help you recognise the signs and understand your risk.
Diabetes Survey: Please press the link to complete the survey
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterised by too much glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. Glucose is a type of sugar that provides energy for our bodies.
The pancreas, the organ responsible for producing insulin, monitors how much glucose is in the blood and releases insulin accordingly. Insulin acts like a key that unlocks our muscles and other tissues, allowing glucose to move from the bloodstream into the cells where it can be used for energy.
However, if there is not enough insulin to “open the door”, or if the body becomes resistant to insulin and the “door” does not respond properly, glucose remains in the bloodstream.
Over time, high blood glucose levels (BGLs) can be harmful to the body. Persistently elevated BGLs can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of complications such as eye disease, kidney disease, heart disease and foot problems.
Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Because the pancreas can no longer produce insulin, glucose cannot enter the body’s cells to be used for energy. People with Type 1 Diabetes therefore require insulin injections throughout the day to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Type 1 Diabetes most commonly develops in younger people, usually before the age of 30, and accounts for approximately 10% of all diabetes diagnoses.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin and the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce enough insulin. While there is a strong genetic and family history component, Type 2 Diabetes is most commonly associated with:
o Being overweight
o Physical inactivity
o Poor diet
Type 2 Diabetes can be managed with medications that help move glucose into the body’s cells, and some people may also require insulin injections. Importantly, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and healthy nutrition can play a significant role in managing the condition, slowing progression, and reducing the risk of complications.
Type 2 Diabetes typically develops after the age of 45 and accounts for 85–90% of diabetes diagnoses.
Gestational Diabetes:
Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy when blood glucose levels become higher than normal.
In most cases, blood glucose levels return to normal after pregnancy. However, some women may continue to experience high blood glucose levels or develop Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
Gestational Diabetes is carefully managed during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and baby. Importantly, it does not mean the baby will develop diabetes.
Approximately 5–10% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes.
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Increased hunger
Slow-healing wounds
Blurred vision
Some people with Type 2 Diabetes may experience very mild or no symptoms, which is why regular health checks are important.
Diagnosis
Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests ordered by a General Practitioner (GP) or Nurse Practitioner.
Common tests include:
HbA1c: Measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months.
Fasting Blood Glucose Test: Measures the amount of glucose in your blood after fasting overnight.
Random Blood Glucose Test: Measures blood glucose levels at any time of day.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): After fasting, you drink a sugary drink and your blood glucose levels are tested at intervals to see how your body processes glucose.
Who is at Risk?
The most common risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes include:
Being overweight
Physical inactivity
Family history of diabetes
Being over 55 years of age
Being over 35 years of age and from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background
Smoking
High blood pressure
Early Management Matters
Around 2 million Australians are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and may already be showing early signs of the condition.
Regular physical activity plays a key role in managing and preventing diabetes complications. During exercise, muscles require more energy and draw glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to produce energy.
Regular activity can also help:
Maintain a healthy weight
Lower blood pressure
Increase muscle strength
Reduce stress
Even small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference to long-term health.
Call to Action
If you are concerned about your risk of diabetes or pre-diabetes, speak with your GP for further assessment and testing.
Your allied health team — including physiotherapists, dietitians and podiatrists — can also support you with education, exercise, nutrition and foot care to help manage diabetes effectively.
Community Engagement
Diabetes Survey: Press the link to complete the survey
If you have 5 minutes to spare, we would greatly appreciate your help by completing our anonymous community survey. Your responses will help us better understand community knowledge of Type 2 Diabetes and guide future education resources.
Helpful Resources
Diabetes Australia: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/resources/
National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS): https://www.ndss.com.au/about-diabetes/resources/
Taylah Searle & Kassidee Sayers
4th Year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)Adelaide University
Currently completing Health Promotion placement at Good Country Physiotherapy Naracoorte, supervised by Angela Willsmore.
Note: This information is of a general nature only and should not be substituted for medical advice or used to alter medical therapy. It does not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual medical needs.
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