Peter has lived with type 1 diabetes for 70 years and knows how important it is to look after himself. He says he has lived a full life and that diabetes has never stopped him doing the things he wanted. Peter ran a successful manufacturing business for 21 years and now enjoys playing golf and occasionally going to the gym.
Participate in Diabetes Victoria’s education programs to live a long and healthy life with diabetes. Depending on your type of diabetes, you can choose between:
Otto is 11 years old and has been living with type 1 diabetes since 2015. “It’s hard being the only kid at school with diabetes. I feel alone sometimes,” Otto says. But Otto is not alone; there are almost 3000 young people in Victoria living with type 1 diabetes. That’s where Diabetes Victoria’s camps for kids can help. “I think the best thing about camp was the feeling that I was in an environment where there were people my age with diabetes as well. I made friends and we’ve stayed in contact.”
Diabetes Victoria funds camps for children and vital diabetes research. Find out what you can do to help.
Chrysi has been living with type 2 diabetes for more than 10 years. She recently established a support group in Melbourne’s northern suburbs to connect people living with diabetes.
You are not alone. Join one of our support groups for people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Sophia successfully completed the Life! program when she realised she was at risk. Sophia loved the program as it helped her set healthy eating and physical activity goals in a supportive environment. As a result, her blood glucose levels dropped quickly, she lost weight and has much more energy to live well.
Find out if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes. Call 13 74 75 to learn more about the Life! program.
Purbasha had the routine screening available to all pregnant women and was shocked to find out she had gestational diabetes. Purbasha is now receiving support and education about how to keep her and her baby healthy.
Call the Diabetes Victoria Helpline on 1300 136 588 to speak to a health professional.
Aunty Rieo turned her type 2 diabetes around with more activity and healthy eating choices. She has proven to be a real fighter when it comes to her health.
If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or speak a language other than English, Diabetes Victoria has specific resources for you.
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Diabetes is the name given to a group of conditions in which there is too much glucose in the blood. Glucose is the body’s main source of fuel or energy. This is where insulin enters the story. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. It opens the channels that let glucose move from the blood to the body cells where energy can be used. In people with diabetes, the pancreas either cannot make insulin, cannot make enough insulin or the body resists the insulin. Without insulin doing its job, the glucose channels are shut and glucose builds up in the blood. This can lead to high blood glucose levels which cause the many health problems linked to diabetes.
While all types of diabetes are serious and complex, they have varying underlying causes and management options. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Pre-diabetes