The Silent Epidemic: Signs of Type 2 Diabetes, Who’s at Risk, and Why Early Diagnosis Matters
More than 500,000 Australians are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Learn the early signs, who is most at risk, and the serious complications that can occur without diagnosis and treatment.
Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Australia — and alarmingly, it’s estimated that over half a million Australians have the condition without knowing it. Because symptoms often appear slowly and can be mistaken for everyday tiredness or ageing, many people don’t realise their blood sugar levels are dangerously high until serious complications develop.
Early detection is vital. The sooner type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the sooner it can be managed — reducing the risk of long-term damage to your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream into your cells for energy.
When insulin doesn’t work properly, glucose builds up in the blood. Over time, this excess sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Because type 2 diabetes develops gradually, symptoms can be subtle or even go unnoticed for years. Here are the key signs to watch for:
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Increased thirst and frequent urination
High blood sugar causes your kidneys to work harder to filter excess glucose, leading to dehydration and more trips to the bathroom. -
Fatigue and lack of energy
When glucose isn’t effectively entering your cells, your body can’t produce the energy it needs — leaving you feeling unusually tired or weak. -
Blurred vision
High blood sugar can cause swelling in the lenses of your eyes, leading to temporary blurred vision. -
Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
Diabetes affects circulation and immune response, meaning cuts and sores take longer to heal and infections are more common. -
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Some people lose weight because the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy when it can’t access glucose. Others may gain weight due to insulin resistance and increased hunger. -
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
Persistently high glucose can damage nerves, leading to tingling, burning, or numbness — known as diabetic neuropathy. -
Increased hunger, especially after eating
When glucose doesn’t enter cells properly, the body keeps signalling hunger even after meals.
If you experience two or more of these symptoms, it’s important to see your GP and request a blood glucose or HbA1c test. Early testing is simple and can be life-saving.
Who Is Most at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?
While anyone can develop diabetes, certain groups have a higher risk:
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People over 40 years old, especially those who are overweight or physically inactive.
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Australians of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage, who have some of the highest rates globally.
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People with a family history of type 2 diabetes.
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Women who have had gestational diabetes or delivered a baby over 4.5kg.
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People from high-risk ethnic backgrounds – including South Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Polynesian, and African communities.
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Those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and chronic stress also increase risk.
The good news? Many of these risks can be reduced through healthy eating, regular physical activity, and early screening.
Why Getting Diagnosed Early Is So Important
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t just affect blood sugar — it impacts almost every part of your body. When left undiagnosed or uncontrolled, it can lead to serious and sometimes irreversible complications, including:
1. Heart Disease and Stroke
High glucose damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Diabetes is one of Australia’s leading causes of cardiovascular disease.
2. Kidney Damage (Diabetic Nephropathy)
Over time, excess sugar harms the tiny filtering units in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis.
3. Vision Loss (Diabetic Retinopathy)
Persistent high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurred vision, bleeding, and blindness if untreated.
4. Nerve Damage and Foot Problems
Poor circulation and nerve damage can cause pain, numbness, and slow-healing wounds — sometimes resulting in severe infections or amputations.
5. Mental Health and Cognitive Decline
Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and even dementia due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Take Action Today
If you’re over 40 or in a higher-risk group, talk to your GP about a simple diabetes screening test. You can also take the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK) online, which estimates your 5-year risk and helps guide whether you need further testing.
Early diagnosis allows for early management — often through lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, and in some cases, medication.
By identifying diabetes early, you can protect your long-term health, maintain your energy, and prevent the serious complications that develop silently over time.
The bottom line:
Type 2 diabetes is a serious but manageable condition. More than 500,000 Australians may be living with it undiagnosed — but awareness, early testing, and timely treatment can make all the difference. Don’t ignore the signs. Your health, your heart, and your future depend on it.
