What is type 2 diabetes?

In type 2 diabetes, your pancreas may make some insulin but not as much as your body needs, or it does not work effectively, or a combination of both. This leads to high blood glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes can result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genes can play a significant role. Risk is greatly increased by lifestyle issues such as high blood pressure, being overweight, insufficient physical activity, a poor diet, and the classic ‘apple shape’ body where extra weight is carried around the waist.

Click here to find out more about type 2 diabetes

How it is managed:

Type 2 diabetes can often initially be managed with healthy eating and physical activity. Over time most people will need to use diabetes tablets. Many also need to add non-insulin injectable medications or insulin. This is the natural progression of type 2 diabetes and taking tablets or insulin as soon as needed can result in less complications.

What we offer:

• New and ongoing appointments with diabetes educators (nurse) who can assist with measuring blood glucose levels, assess and recommend medication requirements and answer diabetes related questions you have.
• New and ongoing nutrition and health information sessions with our specialist diabetes dietitians.
• Appointments available via phone or in person at Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Nowra, St Georges Basin and Milton.
• Appointments with diabetes doctors can be made with a GP referral.

Please call 1300 308 969 to arrange an appointment.