Understanding Type 2 Diabetes and How You Can Take Control

Living well with type 2 diabetes is possible when you understand the risks, make healthy lifestyle changes, and access the right support. Type 2 diabetes affects nearly 1.2 million Australians, and rates are rising every year.1 If you already have a diagnosis, ongoing care is essential to reduce complications and stay on top of your health. Telehealth nurse practitioners are here to support you with prescription renewals and ongoing management, complementing the care you receive from your GP or endocrinologist. 

What is Type 2 Diabetes? 

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body does not use insulin effectively or does not produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels stable.2 Over time, high blood glucose can damage your blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, and heart.3 

Type 2 diabetes often develops in adulthood and is closely linked to lifestyle and family history.3 Many people have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening and regular check-ups are important.2 

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes 

You cannot change every risk factor, but understanding them helps you focus on what you can control. 

You are more at risk if you2-4: 

  • Have a family history of diabetes 
  • Are over 55 years old 
  • Are over 45 years old and are overweight or have high blood pressure 
  • Carry excess weight, particularly around the waist 
  • Are physically inactive 
  • Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol 
  • Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy 
  • Are from certain ethnic backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, Chinese cultural background and people from the Indian subcontinent. 

Knowing your risk is the first step. If you tick several of these boxes, it is worth speaking to your healthcare team about screening and prevention. 

How to Reduce Your Risk 

Even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. You do not need to be perfect, but aiming for steady improvements helps lower your risk or improve management if you already have diabetes. 

Healthy eating5 

  • Choose more vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes, nuts, and seeds 
  • Cut back on sugary drinks and processed foods 
  • Reduce portion sizes if you are trying to lose weight 

Physical activity4 

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days 
  • Walking, swimming, cycling, or even gardening all count 
  • Include muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week 

Weight management4 

  • Losing even 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can significantly improve blood sugar levels 

Other important steps4 

  • Stopping smoking 
  • Limiting alcohol intake 

Why Ongoing Support Matters 

Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you can set and forget. It needs regular monitoring and adjustments. Even if your blood glucose is stable today, things can change over time. Medications may need to be adjusted, lifestyle strategies reviewed, and other health risks like blood pressure and cholesterol checked. 

Ongoing support is vital to: 

  • Stay on track with medications 
  • Avoid long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and eye problems 
  • Pick up early warning signs of issues 
  • Get encouragement to maintain healthy habits 

How Nurse Practitioners Can Help 

Nurse practitioners are highly trained health professionals who can provide ongoing care and support for people with type 2 diabetes. Through telehealth, you can connect with a nurse practitioner from the comfort of your home. A nurse practitioner can: 

  • Renew prescriptions for your diabetes medications 
  • Review how your medicines are working and provide advice on safe use 
  • Support you with healthy lifestyle strategies tailored to your needs 
  • Provide education about monitoring blood glucose and recognising warning signs 
  • Refer you to other healthcare professionals when extra support is needed 

It is important to note that nurse practitioners in this service do not provide initial diagnoses or start new medicines. If you think you might have diabetes but have not been diagnosed, your GP is the first step. Once you have a diagnosis and a treatment plan, a nurse practitioner can play an ongoing role in your care. 

Taking Action Today 

If you already have type 2 diabetes, staying on top of your health now can save you serious complications later. If you are at risk, the sooner you act, the more you can reduce the chance of developing diabetes. 

Start by making one small change this week. Go for a daily walk, replace one sugary drink with water, or add an extra serve of vegetables to your dinner. Over time, these steps add up to powerful benefits. 

When to Book a Telehealth Appointment 

Consider booking a telehealth appointment with a nurse practitioner if you: 

  • Need a prescription renewal for your diabetes medicine 
  • Would like advice on managing side effects of your current medicine 
  • Want support to stick to healthy lifestyle changes 
  • Have questions about blood glucose monitoring or your results 
  • Need general support with ongoing diabetes care 

You can access care right away with telehealth, whether you are at home or on the go. 

Take the Next Step 

Type 2 diabetes is common, but with the right care and support, you can live well and reduce your risk of complications. Understanding your personal risk factors, making healthier choices, and staying connected with your healthcare team are the foundations of good management. 

Telehealth nurse practitioners are here to help you stay on track with your medications and provide practical support for your ongoing health. 

Book your telehealth nurse practitioner appointment today and take the next step in managing your diabetes with confidence. 

Book Now

References: 

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Diabetes: Australian facts. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Published December 12, 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/how-common-is-diabetes/type-2-diabetes 
  1. Diabetes Australia. Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Australia. Published 2022. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes/ 
  1. World Health Organization. Diabetes. World Health Organization. Published November 14, 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes 
  1. Health Direct. Type 2 diabetes. Health Direct. Published October 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/type-2-diabetes 
  1. Diabetes Australia. Healthy Diet for Diabetes. Diabetes Australia. Published 2023. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/living-with-diabetes/healthy-eating/

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