By Chris Eldridge Dietitian and Diabetes Educator
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Key takeaways
- Early detection of type 2 diabetes can help improve quality of life and prevent serious complications.
- Knowing the signs and symptoms to look out for can help you take control of your health.
- Talk to your GP if you’re concerned about type 2 diabetes.
More than 1.3 million Australians live with type 2 diabetes, and over 45,000 will be newly diagnosed each year.1,2
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that can result in serious health complications if left untreated. The earlier type 2 diabetes is detected, the better it can be managed, and the healthier people can stay.
Learn about the warning signs of type 2 diabetes that you shouldn’t ignore.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes diagnosed in Australia.1
A chronic health condition caused by the body’s inability to respond properly to insulin, type 2 diabetes causes a build-up of glucose in the bloodstream, which can become dangerous and even life-threatening if left untreated.
Type 2 diabetes can be treated with lifestyle medicine, such as exercise and a healthy diet, and sometimes medication. If well managed, some people may even reverse their type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
You may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- are above a healthy weight
- have high blood pressure
- have had gestational diabetes
- have been diagnosed with prediabetes
- do not exercise regularly.
Other risk factors for type 2 diabetes include advancing age and ethnicity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Many people have type 2 diabetes for years before symptoms become noticeable. Some are diagnosed only after routine blood tests or when complications begin to develop.
This is why screening is important for people with risk factors, even when they feel well.
Warning signs for type 2 diabetes can include:
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- unexplained fatigue
- blurred vision
- slow-healing wounds
- frequent infections
- increased hunger
- unexplained weight loss
- tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- dry, itchy skin.
Many of these symptoms are caused by the effect high blood glucose has on the systems in the body.
When to see your doctor
While many of these symptoms can also indicate other health conditions, they should never be ignored. If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP.
Depending on your risk level, your doctor may recommend screening for type 2 diabetes every 1–3 years. For those with prediabetes or multiple risk factors, you may require more frequent monitoring.
Need some support?
Call us on 1300 030 238 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEST) to speak with one of our health professionals or register for a call back to find out what programs are available to you.
Chris Eldridge Dietitian and Diabetes Educator
Chris is a Clinical and Sports Dietitian with a passion for promoting positive health and preventative care.
At Bupa, trust is everything
Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.
This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.
1 Diabetes Australia. (n.d.). Diabetes in Australia.
2 Australian Institute of health and welfare. (2026). Diabetes: Australian facts.
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