What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the body doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough of it, so glucose (sugar) builds up in the blood. Over time, high blood glucose can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and feet. It is one of the most common chronic conditions in Australia, and the good news is that it can often be managed well with the right support.
Early signs to look out for
Symptoms can be mild or absent at first. Some people notice:
- feeling very thirsty or passing more urine than usual
- feeling tired or lacking energy
- blurred vision
- cuts or infections that are slow to heal
- tingling or numbness in the feet or hands
- unexplained weight change
If you notice any of these, book in with your GP for a check.
Are you at risk?
Your risk of type 2 diabetes is higher if you:
- are aged 40 or over
- have a parent or sibling with diabetes
- carry extra weight, particularly around the waist
- are not very physically active
- have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, South Asian, Middle Eastern or Chinese background
The free online AUSDRISK tool can give you an idea of your risk in a few minutes, and your GP can discuss testing, which usually involves a blood test.
How a GP chronic condition management plan helps
From 1 July 2025, GP management plans (GPMPs) and team care arrangements (TCAs) were replaced by a single GP chronic condition management plan (GPCCMP). It is available to people with a condition that has been, or is likely to be, present for at least six months.
With a care plan, your GP works with you to set goals and coordinate your care. Where it’s needed, your GP can refer you to allied health professionals, such as a dietitian, podiatrist, exercise physiologist or diabetes educator, with Medicare rebates for a set number of visits each year. Plans are usually reviewed regularly to keep them on track.
If you had a GPMP or TCA in place before 1 July 2025, you can continue using it until 30 June 2027, or move to the new plan at your next review. If you’re registered with MyMedicare, your care plan is provided through your registered practice.
Living well with type 2 diabetes
- keep regular appointments to check your HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol and kidney function
- have regular eye and foot checks
- move more, in ways you enjoy, and follow healthy eating advice that suits you
- take medicines as prescribed and ask questions if anything is unclear
- register with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) for support and subsidised supplies
Tests your GP may arrange
Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed with a blood test. Depending on your situation, this may be an HbA1c test, which shows your average blood glucose over the past two to three months, or a fasting blood glucose test. Once diagnosed, regular tests help track how well your diabetes is managed and check for early signs of complications. At Delacombe Medical Centre, pathology is collected onsite on weekdays.
Your diabetes care team
Managing diabetes well is often a team effort. Alongside your GP and practice nurse, your team may include a dietitian, diabetes educator, podiatrist, exercise physiologist, optometrist or ophthalmologist, and sometimes an endocrinologist. A GP chronic condition management plan helps coordinate this team and makes allied health visits more affordable through Medicare rebates.
Looking after your feet and eyes
Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood supply in the feet, so cuts and blisters may go unnoticed and heal slowly. Check your feet daily, wear well-fitting shoes and see your GP promptly about any wounds. Diabetes can also affect the eyes, often without early symptoms, so regular eye checks are recommended.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes means blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It is a signal to act. Many people with prediabetes can lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes with changes to eating, activity and weight. Your GP can discuss support programs and how often to recheck your levels.
Diabetes care in Delacombe
Several of our GPs have interests in chronic disease and diabetes care, and our practice nurses support health assessments and care plans. Search our GP finder by area of care to find a GP with an interest in chronic disease. If you’re registered with MyMedicare, you’ll access your care plan through our practice.
Frequently asked questions
For many people at risk, healthy eating, regular activity and reaching a healthier weight can lower the risk or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Talk with your GP about your situation.
From 1 July 2025, the GP chronic condition management plan (GPCCMP) replaced GP management plans and team care arrangements.
Your GP will advise, but care plans are generally reviewed regularly, often every few months, to track progress.
Sources and further reading
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Information is current as at November 2026 and may change. Always speak with your GP about your own health. In an emergency, call 000.
Talk to a GP about your health
Bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Open seven days at Delacombe Town Centre.
