For our bodies to work properly, we need to convert glucose (sugar) from food into energy using a hormone called insulin. In people with diabetes mellitus, insulin is no longer produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body. There are different types of diabetes. The three main types are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body burns its own fats as a substitute, releasing chemical substances in the blood that can accumulate and become life threatening if not treated.
Type 1 diabetes is most frequently diagnosed in people under 30 years old, however, new research suggests almost half of all people who develop the condition are diagnosed over the age of 30.
Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10 per cent of all diabetes and is increasing, likely due to better awareness and diagnostic tools.
Symptoms are often sudden and obvious so it is usually diagnosed quickly.
There is no cure for type 1 diabetes and it cannot be prevented but we can help manage it better to improve quality of life.
Treatment is managed with insulin injections several times a day or the use of an insulin pump.
Wearable devices can help reduce the stress and anxiety around glucose monitoring and reduce the impact of blood sugar-related medical incidents.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition that develops over a long period of time when insulin becomes increasingly ineffective at managing the blood glucose levels in the body. The pancreas starts producing more and more insulin, but eventually the cells wear out. This explains why type 2 diabetes is a combination of both ineffective insulin and not enough insulin.
Around 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes are type 2.
Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with healthy eating and regular exercise.
Over time most people with type 2 diabetes will also take medication and may eventually require insulin.
People with a family history or who are from particular ethnic backgrounds have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In many cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented.
Eating well, losing weight and getting regular exercise can help improve your insulin sensitivity and prevent diabetes. Read more about metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes – what it means for you and your baby
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It’s the fastest-growing type of diabetes in Australia, affecting thousands of pregnant women. Find out if you are at risk and what it means for your baby.
I’ve been diagnosed with MODY – what is it?
Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a rare but easily treated form of diabetes. MODY is caused by a change in a single gene, which is passed on by affected parents to their children. There are different types of MODY however it is generally characterised by three main features:
Being diagnosed with diabetes under the age of 25.
Having a parent with diabetes, or when diabetes is present in two or more generations.
Being able to be treated with diet or tablets – not necessarily needing insulin.
Finding out which type of MODY you have allows us to devise the most appropriate treatment options. We can also better understand how your diabetes will progress and offer genetic testing to family members as there is a 50 per cent chance you will pass MODY on any children you have or plan to have.
I’ve been diagnosed with LADA – is it the same as Type 1 Diabetes?
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow-progressing form of type 1 diabetes. People with LADA are usually a bit older (over 30) when symptoms develop, which means you might have been initially misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
LADA develops because your pancreas stops producing adequate insulin. Because it develops slowly, you may be able to produce enough insulin to keep your sugar levels under control without needing insulin for months or even years after your initial diagnosis. Treatment for LADA requires insulin therapy at some stage so regular blood glucose testing is needed to monitor your condition.
Getting help with managing your diabetes
If you or someone close to you has been recently diagnosed with diabetes, getting the right support is really important. Our team includes endocrinologists, dieticians and diabetes educators who can help reduce the stress and anxiety around managing your condition. We can answer questions like:
When should I commence medications or insulin?
What type of monitoring and insulin pumps are available?
Am I eligible for subsidised glucometers and test strips?
Should I register with the NDSS?
What is continuous glucose monitoring?
For people with type 1 diabetes, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a way of measuring glucose levels through the day and night using a small wearable device inserted under the skin. A CGM device can be worn with an insulin pump or send information to a CGM receiver or tracking app. By making glucose monitoring easier, we can help reduce the severity of hypoglycaemic events and limit the number of emergency visits to hospital. Ask us about the most suitable glucose monitoring product for you.
Should I register with the NDSS?
The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government to help people understand and manage their diabetes. If you are living with diabetes, the NDSS can help you access services, support and subsidised products – including testing strips, insulin injection needles, insulin pump consumables and continuous glucose monitoring products in some cases.
South Sydney Medical Specialists can assist you with the registration. Alternatively, contact the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 or ask for more information on the scheme.
Why should I seek help from the endocrinologists at South Sydney Medical Specialists?
At South Sydney Medical Specialists we strive to provide you with the highest quality care and most up to date evidence-based medical treatments. Our friendly team will develop a personalised treatment plan that suits your needs. We can also help with education and any registrations (eg NDSS) so you can get the support you need sooner and without added stress.