Think you might be at risk? A simple blood test is all it takes to find out.
Book a check todayWhat is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or doesn’t use it effectively. Insulin is the hormone that moves glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. When it stops working properly, glucose builds up in the blood instead — and over time, that causes damage throughout the body.
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, Type 2 is largely influenced by lifestyle and genetics. It develops gradually, often over many years, and in the early stages there may be no symptoms at all. This is exactly why a lot of people go undiagnosed for so long.
What are the symptoms?
Common signs to watch for
- Feeling unusually thirsty or needing to urinate more frequently
- Tiredness and low energy that doesn’t improve with rest
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or wounds
- Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet
- Frequent infections, particularly skin, gum, or urinary tract infections
- Unexplained weight loss (less common in Type 2, but it can happen)
Many people with Type 2 diabetes have no obvious symptoms at all, especially early on. If you’re in a higher-risk group, regular testing is more important than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Who is at higher risk?
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t happen randomly — certain factors significantly increase your likelihood of developing it. The more risk factors you have, the more important regular screening becomes.
⚖️ Being overweight
Excess weight — particularly around the abdomen — is the single biggest modifiable risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
🎂 Age over 45
Risk increases significantly with age. Australians aged 80 to 84 have a diabetes prevalence of around 19%.
👨👩👧 Family history
Having a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes doubles your risk of developing it yourself.
🩸 Prediabetes
Blood sugar levels that are elevated but not yet in the diabetic range. Without action, most people with prediabetes go on to develop Type 2.
🤰 Gestational diabetes
Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a significantly higher lifetime risk of Type 2 diabetes.
🛋️ Inactive lifestyle
Physical inactivity reduces the body’s insulin sensitivity. Even moderate regular exercise significantly lowers risk.
🌏 Cultural background
People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, South Asian, and East Asian backgrounds have higher rates of Type 2 diabetes.
💊 Certain medications
Long-term use of corticosteroids and some other medications can increase blood sugar levels and raise diabetes risk.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is straightforward — it’s a blood test. Your GP will usually order a fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. You don’t need symptoms to get tested — in fact, getting tested before symptoms appear is the whole point.
If your results show elevated levels but not yet in the diabetic range, this is called prediabetes. This is actually a very useful finding — it’s a clear warning with a real window to make changes before diabetes develops.
A blood test takes minutes. If you’re over 45, overweight, or have a family history — it’s worth doing.
Request a diabetes checkManaging Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is very manageable with the right approach. For some people, especially when caught early, lifestyle changes alone can bring blood sugar levels back into a healthy range. For others, medication is needed as well — and that’s completely fine. The goal is good control, not a particular treatment path.
🥗 Diet and nutrition
A balanced diet that limits refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and processed foods makes a significant difference to blood glucose control. Our onsite dietitian can help you build a practical eating plan that works for your life.
🏃 Physical activity
Regular movement improves the body’s insulin sensitivity — even a 20 to 30 minute walk most days helps. Strength training is also particularly effective at improving glucose uptake by muscles.
⚖️ Weight management
Even modest weight loss — 5 to 10% of body weight — can meaningfully improve blood sugar levels. In some cases, significant weight loss can put Type 2 diabetes into remission.
💊 Medication
Metformin is typically the first medication prescribed and has a strong, long track record. Other medications including newer options like GLP-1 analogues may be used depending on your situation.
📊 Monitoring
Regular HbA1c checks, blood pressure monitoring, kidney function tests, and eye checks are all part of good diabetes management. Your GP will coordinate these and keep track of your overall picture.
🚭 Quit smoking
Smoking significantly compounds cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most impactful things you can do. Your GP can help with a quit plan.
What about Ozempic?
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) — what your GP needs you to know
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes. It’s now one of the most prescribed medications in Australia, partly due to its weight loss effects. In 2024-25 it became one of the most costly PBS medicines in the country.
For people with Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications can be highly effective — they lower blood sugar, support weight loss, and have cardiovascular benefits. However, they’re prescription-only medications that require proper assessment, monitoring, and follow-up. They’re not suitable for everyone.
If you’re interested in whether Ozempic or a similar medication is appropriate for your situation, book an appointment with one of our GPs for a proper assessment. We won’t prescribe it without understanding your full health picture first.
Long-term complications if diabetes is uncontrolled
Well-managed diabetes rarely leads to serious complications. Poorly managed diabetes over many years is a different story. This is why consistent monitoring and staying on top of your management plan matters so much.
Heart disease
2 to 4x higher cardiovascular risk
Stroke
Significantly increased risk
Kidney disease
Leading cause of kidney failure in Australia
Vision loss
Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness if untreated
Nerve damage
Numbness, pain, and in severe cases foot complications
Slow healing
Increased infection risk and poor wound recovery
What our GPs can do for you
Managing diabetes well takes a team approach. At Southport Metro, we offer:
- Diabetes screening with fasting glucose and HbA1c blood tests
- Diagnosis and initial management planning
- Chronic Disease Management Plans (GP Management Plans) with Medicare-funded allied health visits
- Prescription and review of diabetes medications including newer options
- Coordination with our onsite dietitian for nutrition support
- Regular HbA1c, kidney, cholesterol, and blood pressure monitoring
- Referrals to endocrinologists, podiatrists, and ophthalmologists when needed
- Support to quit smoking and manage weight
Already diagnosed? We can take over your ongoing management and make sure everything is being monitored properly.
Book with one of our GPsRelated services at our clinic
Get on top of your diabetes today
Whether you want to get tested, discuss your management, or ask about newer treatments — our GPs are here. Open 7 days at Australia Fair Metro, Southport.