Discover 15 important facts about diabetes in Australia including types, symptoms, risks, and how professional home nursing care helps manage the condition.
Diabetes is one of the most common and serious chronic health conditions in Australia, yet many people living with it or caring for someone who has it do not fully understand what the condition involves, how widespread it has become, or what can be done to manage it safely at home.
Whether you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed, or you simply want to be better informed, knowing the key facts about diabetes is one of the most important steps you can take towards better health outcomes.
In this article we share 6 important facts about diabetes in Australia, including what the condition is, who is most at risk, what complications it can cause, and how professional nursing care at home can make a real difference for older Australians living with diabetes.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose levels. This happens either because the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, or because the body cannot use insulin effectively, or both.
Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose from the food we eat to enter our cells and provide the energy our bodies need. Without enough insulin working properly, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead. Over time, this causes progressive damage to blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and other organs throughout the body.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It can develop at any age and is not caused by diet or lifestyle. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive.
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form and develops when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. It is strongly associated with lifestyle factors including diet, physical activity, and body weight, and it typically develops gradually over many years.
Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes affect how the body uses insulin. It usually resolves after birth but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
6 Key Facts About Diabetes in Australia
Fact 1 — Almost 1.9 Million Australians Are Living With Diabetes
Almost 1.9 million Australians have diabetes. This includes all types of diagnosed diabetes as well as silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, which is estimated to affect up to 500,000 people who do not yet know they have the condition. Australian Government Department of Health
This means a large number of Australians are walking around with diabetes-related damage occurring in their bodies without being aware of it. If you or a loved one has not had a blood glucose test recently, speaking to a general practitioner is an important first step.
Fact 2 — More Than 300 Australians Develop Diabetes Every Day
More than 300 Australians develop diabetes every day. That is one person every five minutes. Australian Government Department of Health
The speed at which diabetes is spreading across the Australian population makes it one of the most urgent public health priorities in the country today. Understanding the risk factors and warning signs is essential for early detection and prevention.
Fact 3 — Diabetes Is Far More Common in Older Australians
Almost 14 per cent of Australians aged 75 and over are living with diabetes, which is almost 8 times as high as the rate for those aged 18 to 44.
This is one of the most significant facts about diabetes for families with older loved ones to understand. As people age, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases substantially. For older Australians already living with other chronic conditions, a diabetes diagnosis adds another layer of complexity to their daily health management.
If you have noticed changes in your parent or loved one and are wondering whether they need more support at home, our article on the signs your elderly parent needs home care may help you decide on next steps.
Fact 4 — Type 2 Diabetes Is Responsible for the Vast Majority of Cases
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 87.6 per cent of all cases in Australia, followed by type 1 diabetes at 9.6 per cent. Australianageingagenda
The good news about type 2 diabetes is that in many cases it can be delayed or even prevented through healthy lifestyle changes including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight. For those who already have it, the condition can be effectively managed with the right clinical support.
Fact 5 — Diabetes Significantly Increases the Risk of Heart Disease, Kidney Failure, and Limb Complications
Diabetes does not just affect blood glucose levels. Left poorly managed, it causes serious complications throughout the body. People with diabetes are between two and four times more likely to develop heart disease, and heart disease is the number one cause of death for people with type 2 diabetes, contributing to almost two thirds of all deaths in people with diabetes. Australian Government Department of Health
Beyond heart disease, poorly controlled diabetes is also a leading cause of chronic kidney disease, vision loss, nerve damage in the feet and legs, and lower limb amputations. Experts estimate that diabetes-related foot disease alone costs Australia around $1.6 billion every single year. Australian Government Department of Health
This is why regular monitoring, medication management, and foot care are not optional extras for people with diabetes. They are essential parts of staying safe and avoiding serious complications.
Fact 6 — Diabetes Is the Seventh Most Common Cause of Death in Australia
Diabetes is the seventh most common cause of death by disease in Australia, with a total annual cost impact estimated at $17.6 billion. Australian Government Department of Health
These figures reflect the enormous burden that diabetes places on individuals, families, and the Australian health system as a whole. The good news is that with early diagnosis, proper medical management, and ongoing support at home, many of the most serious complications of diabetes can be prevented or significantly delayed.
How Professional Nursing Care Helps People With Diabetes Live Safely at Home
For older Australians living with diabetes, managing the condition at home can be challenging, particularly when it is combined with other health conditions, reduced mobility, or cognitive changes. This is where professional nursing care at home makes a genuine and lasting difference.
A qualified home nurse can provide regular support that helps keep diabetes under control and prevents complications from developing or worsening.
Medication Management and Insulin Administration
Many people with diabetes require complex medication routines, including insulin injections at specific times and doses. A registered home nurse can administer medications correctly, monitor for side effects, and liaise with your general practitioner if adjustments are needed. This removes one of the most common sources of risk for older adults managing diabetes on their own.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for understanding how well diabetes is being managed and whether the current treatment plan is working. A home nurse can carry out regular glucose checks, record results, and alert the treating doctor if levels fall outside of the safe range.
Foot Care and Wound Management
Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, which means small cuts, blisters, or pressure sores can quickly develop into serious wounds if not treated promptly. In ageing populations such as Australia, the rising prevalence of diabetes among older people poses significant challenges, particularly in managing complications including foot care and wound management. Australianhealthandagedcare
A home nurse can inspect feet regularly, dress wounds appropriately, and identify early signs of infection before they escalate. This is one of the most important aspects of diabetes care for older adults at home.
Coordination With General Practitioners and Specialists
Managing diabetes well requires a team approach. A home nurse acts as the link between the client at home and their broader health team, including their general practitioner, endocrinologist, podiatrist, and dietitian. Regular updates from the nursing team mean that health changes are flagged quickly and the care plan is adjusted before problems develop.
To understand more about the full range of clinical nursing services available at home in Sydney, visit our home care and nursing services page.
Is Diabetes Nursing Care Covered Under Government Funding?
Yes. For eligible Australians, professional nursing care at home for diabetes management can be fully funded through the Support at Home program via My Aged Care, or through NDIS funding for those under 65 with an eligible disability.
Under the Support at Home program, all clinical nursing care including medication management, wound care, and chronic disease monitoring is fully funded with no out-of-pocket cost required. To understand how the funding works and whether you are eligible, read our guide on the Support at Home program in Australia.
For information on what you might be expected to contribute depending on your circumstances, our guide on how much home care costs in Australia provides a clear breakdown.
Expert Health Services — Diabetes Nursing Care at Home in Sydney
At Expert Health Services, we support older Australians living with diabetes across South Western and South Eastern Sydney. Our NDIS-registered team of qualified nurses and nurse practitioners delivers personalised, clinically safe diabetes management at home, tailored to each client’s individual health needs and goals.
Our services relevant to diabetes management include:
- Nursing Care including medication management, wound care, and blood glucose monitoring
- Nurse Practitioner Home Visits for complex or high-level clinical needs
- Personal Care to support daily routines safely
- Allied Health Support including podiatry and physiotherapy coordination
We service Bankstown, Revesby, Milperra, Padstow, Punchbowl, Lakemba, Randwick, Maroubra, Rockdale, Hurstville, Campbelltown, Liverpool, and surrounding suburbs. To confirm whether we service your suburb, visit our locations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early warning signs of diabetes?
Common early signs of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. Many people with type 2 diabetes experience no obvious symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular blood glucose testing is recommended, particularly for adults over 45.
Can diabetes be managed at home without going into a care facility?
Yes. With the right professional support in place, many older Australians with diabetes can manage the condition safely and effectively at home. Professional home nursing care provides the clinical oversight, medication management, wound care, and monitoring needed to keep diabetes under control and prevent complications from developing.
How often should a nurse visit someone with diabetes at home?
The frequency of nursing visits depends on the individual’s health needs, the complexity of their diabetes management, and their current care plan. Some clients benefit from daily visits, while others may need two to three visits per week. At Expert Health Services, we work with you and your general practitioner to determine the most appropriate visiting schedule.
Is diabetes nursing care at home covered by the Australian Government?
Yes. Clinical nursing care for diabetes management at home is fully funded under the Support at Home program for eligible older Australians, with no out-of-pocket cost required for clinical services. NDIS funding is also available for eligible participants under 65.
How do I arrange diabetes nursing care at home in Sydney?
Contact Expert Health Services directly on 0414 072 871 or visit our contact page to speak with our care team. If you have been assessed through My Aged Care or have an NDIS plan, we can coordinate services and begin care as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
The facts about diabetes in Australia make it clear that this is a condition that touches the lives of millions of Australians and their families. Almost 1.9 million Australians are living with diabetes, and for older adults the risks and complications are particularly significant.
The most important thing to understand is that diabetes can be managed effectively at home with the right professional support in place. Regular nursing visits, careful medication management, blood glucose monitoring, and wound care can make an enormous difference to health outcomes and quality of life for older Australians living with diabetes.
At Expert Health Services, our experienced and compassionate nursing team is here to provide exactly that support, wherever you are in South Western or South Eastern Sydney.
Call us today on 0414 072 871 or visit our contact page to speak with our friendly care team.
Managing Diabetes at Home? We Can Help.
Expert Health Services provides professional nursing care at home for older Australians living with diabetes across South Western and South Eastern Sydney. Our NDIS-registered nurses offer medication management, blood glucose monitoring, wound care, and more — all in the comfort of your own home.
