Diabetes - Getting started - Taking Control
 
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Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often it cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that is released from the pancreas when your glucose levels rise after eating carbohydrates. It helps glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy.

If this process is impaired and glucose is not taken up by the cells and remains in the blood, the blood glucose rises to an abnormal level (hyperglycaemia) and remains elevated unless treated. Persistent high levels of glucose in the blood will eventually lead to serious health complications. Regular screening and management of your diabetes and help prevent or at least delay the development of complications.


Approximately 1.2 million Australians are estimated to have diabetes, but only half are aware they have this chronic condition1.

Over 1,100 Queenslanders are diagnosed with diabetes each month1. For every person diagnosed, another remains undiagnosed2.

Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing disease in the western world2.

Diabetes is diagnosed by a simple test that measures the amount of glucose in your blood.

Symptoms
The typical symptoms of high blood glucose levels can include:

  • Passing excessive quantities of urine
  • Unusual thirst and dry mouth
  • Weight loss – particularly with Type1 diabetes
  • Tiredness
  • Blurred vision
  • Skin infections (boils or genital infections such as thrush)
  • Sensations such as tingling in the feet