More than 1 million Australians are living with type 2 diabetes, yet misconceptions about the condition remain widespread. These myths can create confusion, delay people seeking support to help manage their diabetes, and contributes to stigma for those living with the condition.
The reality is that type 2 diabetes is a complex health condition influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, social and behavioural factors. Understanding the facts can help Queenslanders make informed decisions about their health to prevent diabetes and support those living with it.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use insulin effectively, resulting in a build up of sugar in the blood. Insulin helps turn the carbohydrates we eat into energy for the body, which is essential for day-to-day function. For someone living with type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin released by the pancreas, and over time, the pancreas can lose the ability to produce the insulin required, leading to high blood glucose levels.
Before type 2 diabetes develops, gradual impaired glucose tolerance can occur. This is often referred to as ‘prediabetes.’ An estimated 2 million Australians have prediabetes, which can lead to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
There is strong evidence that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to 58% in people who have prediabetes by incorporating positive changes to nutrition, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and sleep.1
What causes type 2 diabetes?
There is no single cause of type 2 diabetes. Instead, a combination of factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing it.
Factors that can increase the risk which cannot be changed include:
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- Age
- Certain cultural backgrounds
- History of gestational diabetes
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (previously known as Polycystic ovary syndrome)
Other factors which can contribute to risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time include:
- Sedentary behaviours
- Poor sleep quality
- Chronic stress
- Living with overweight and/or obesity
- Poor nutrition
It’s important to remember that having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop type 2 diabetes. Likewise, people who develop type 2 diabetes should not be blamed for their condition. Genetics, biology, social determinants of health, and access to healthcare can all be contributing factors.
How to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
While not every risk factor can be changed, there are several evidence-based ways to support metabolic health and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Eat a balanced diet that supports long-term health
Healthier eating is about creating sustainable habits rather than following restrictive diets. A balanced eating pattern that includes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins and healthy fats can support overall health and help reduce diabetes risk.
Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on making realistic and sustainable changes that can be maintained over time. Start with 1 or 2 food swaps each day and build from there.
Include resistance training to improve insulin sensitivity
Resistance training helps build and maintain muscle mass, which improves the body’s ability to use glucose effectively. Combined with regular aerobic activity such as walking, swimming or bike riding, resistance training can support healthy blood glucose regulation and metabolic health.
Talk to your GP, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist if incorporating movement is new for you.
Prioritise sleep
Sleep is increasingly recognised as a pillar of good health alongside nutrition and physical activity.
Research suggests that inadequate sleep can affect hormones involved in appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.2 Consistently achieving 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night may help support healthier blood sugar control and reduce long-term diabetes risk.
Maintain strong social connections
Social connection is an often-overlooked component of wellbeing.
Emerging evidence suggests that social isolation and loneliness may contribute to chronic stress and poorer health outcomes, including insulin resistance.3 Maintaining meaningful relationships with friends, family and community groups can support both mental and physical wellbeing.
Whether it’s joining a local walking group, participating in community activities or staying connected with loved ones, social support can be an important part of maintaining emotional wellbeing.
1. Can children be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?
While type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, it is not exclusively an adult condition. Over recent decades, healthcare professionals have seen an increase in type 2 diabetes diagnoses among younger Australians, including children and young people.4
According to the National Diabetes Services Scheme, around 229 Queensland children and adolescents are living with type 2 diabetes. In Australia, it affects about 16,200 young people.5 This trend highlights the importance of building healthy habits from a young age.
2. Does type 2 diabetes mean you’ll be on insulin for life?
One of the most common misconceptions about type 2 diabetes is that a diagnosis automatically means lifelong insulin is needed.
In reality, managing diabetes varies significantly from person to person. Many people successfully manage their diabetes through a combination of healthy eating, physical activity, regular medical care and, when needed, medication. Some people may require insulin at certain stages of their condition, while others may never need it.
There is also growing evidence that some people can achieve type 2 diabetes remission. According to Diabetes Australia, remission occurs when blood glucose levels return to target range for an extended period without the need for glucose-lowering medication.6
However, remission is not considered a ‘cure’. Continuing to incorporate healthier behaviours, regular monitoring, and support from your diabetes care team remain important to managing diabetes remission and blood glucose levels over time.
The key takeaway is that there is no single way to manage diabetes. A diabetes management plan should always be tailored to the individual and developed in partnership with healthcare professionals.
3. Can type 2 diabetes only be managed with medication?
Medication can be an important part of diabetes management, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.
Effective type 2 diabetes management often involves a combination of medical management, changes to your nutrition and physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and ensuring you have social support. These factors work together to support blood glucose regulation and overall wellbeing.
Research shows that strength training can improve insulin sensitivity by helping muscles use glucose more efficiently.7 Regular movement also supports cardiovascular health, which is particularly important because people with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease.
Sleep is another often-overlooked factor but plays a critical role in glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.2,8 Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep have been associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and can make diabetes management more challenging.
Importantly, diabetes management can be highly individual. What works well for one person may not be appropriate for another, which is why personalised healthcare advice is key for optimal diabetes management.
Concerned about your risk of type 2 diabetes?
If you have concerns about your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, speak with your GP.
You can also complete a free health check through My health for life. The program can help you better understand your risk factors and connect you with support services. This includes a health coach who can provide practical guidance to help you make sustainable health behaviour changes.
Related articles
Sources
- Diabetes Australia. (2026). Keeping a healthy weight. Accessed 4 June 2026. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/prevention/healthy-living/healthy-weight/
- Joseph Henson, Alix Covenant, Andrew P. Hall, Louisa Herring, Alex V. Rowlands, Thomas Yates, Melanie J. Davies; Waking Up to the Importance of Sleep in Type 2 Diabetes Management: A Narrative Review. Diabetes Care, 23 February 2024; 47 (3): 331–343. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci23-0037
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Committee on the Health and Medical Dimensions of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2020 Feb 27. 3, Health Impacts of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Morbidity and Quality of Life. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557983/
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Type 2 diabetes in Australia’s children and young people: a working paper. Published 19 February 2014. Accessed 4 June 2026. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/type-2-diabetes-children-young-people/summary
- National Diabetes Services Scheme. (2026). https://map.ndss.com.au/. Updated 7 June 2026. Accessed 11 June 20206.
- Diabetes Australia. (2021). Position Statement: Type 2 Diabetes Remission. Accessed 4 June 2026. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021_Diabetes-Australia-Position-Statement_Type-2-diabetes-remission_2.pdf
- Jingwen Wang, Shiqian Fan, Jianshe Wang. (2025). Resistance training enhances metabolic and muscular health and reduces systemic inflammation in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 15 October 2025; 229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2025.112941
- Tyson, R. (2025). A Realistic Approach to Type 2 Diabetes Remission. Published 17 December 2025. Accessed 4 June 2026. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/blog/a-realistic-approach-to-type-2-diabetes-remission/
