Prevention What is diabetes? Diabetes is a serious condition that affects how your body uses glucose for energy. There are three common types: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. While type 1 diabetes currently cannot be prevented, evidence shows that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented for some people, even if you already have prediabetes. What is prediabetes? Prediabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet in the diabetes range. Without making changes, many people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five to 10 years. But research shows that making healthy lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half.1 How can I reduce my risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Preventing type 2 diabetes starts with understanding your risk. In addition to lifestyle factors, such as what you eat and drink, your daily movement and wellbeing, also your age, family history, and ethnicity all play a role. But with personalised support and guidance, you can make achievable steps that may help you reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) information and support We’re here to help you take proactive steps to improve your health, which may prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Call 1800PREVENT (1800 773 8368) for free today. Call 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) Type 2 diabetes risk calculator Assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes using our risk calculator. Find out more Why reduce my risk Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that can affect many parts of the body, but the good news is many cases can be prevented. Find out more Healthy living Reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes is about making choices every day that support your long-term health. Find out more Eating well Food has a powerful impact on body weight, your health and overall wellbeing. Find out more It is estimated that one in six adult Australians over the age of 25 are living with prediabetes. (2) Keeping active If you are at risk, physical activity can play an important role in preventing type 2 diabetes. Find out more Start with the basics Eat well: Choose whole foods, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit processed foods and sugary drinks. Move more: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Walking, swimming, dancing, and gardening all count. Sleep and stress: Poor sleep and high stress can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Both increase your risk of diabetes and other health problems. Get regular health checks: Regular checkups help to track your health and detect early warning signs so you can act early. Making healthy lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half. (1) Support your tomorrow by making small changes today. You are not alone Preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes may be possible, and support is available. We have the information, resources, and programs you need to help you take action and stay on track. Looking after your health today helps protect your future, and your family’s. Get support Reach your health goals Share your story through our Spark Change platform and have your say on what affordable access to AID would mean to you and your quality of life. There are a range of health and wellbeing programs, both nationally and locally, designed to help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Find a health program in your state Keeping a healthy weight The benefit of maintaining a healthy weight includes better sleep and more energy, improved mental wellbeing, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, greater mobility and joint health, and may lower your risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Learn more Get support Making lifestyle changes can be easier with the right information and support, no matter where you are on your health journey. Explore our health programs and online resources that may help you reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and manage prediabetes. Learn more More information Screening for type 2 diabetes Your wellbeing Getting health checks and finding your healthcare team Online resources Multicultural resources Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Recipes Share your story through our Spark Change platform and have your say on what affordable access to AID would mean to you and your quality of life. Healthy eating may play an important role in reducing your risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Find a variety of healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks. Learn more Latest type 2 diabetes prevention news News 2 September 2025 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) launches nationwide Australians at risk of type 2 diabetes now have access to a free information and referral service helping to stem… Continue Reading Media releases 20 August 2025 Diabetes Australia and Medibank partner in research to prevent type 2 diabetes Continue Reading News 18 August 2025 Productivity Commission applauded for focus on prevention Continue Reading Media releases 18 July 2025 Bold new policy and KeepSight reports drive prevention and care Continue Reading Read all 1.Tuomilehto J, Lindström J, Eriksson JG, Valle TT, Hämäläinen H, Ilanne-Parikka P, et al. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. N Engl J Med. 2001;344: 1343–1350. doi:10.1056/NEJM200105033441801. Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, Hamman RF, Lachin JM, Walker EA, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med. 2002;346: 393–403. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa012512 2.Baker IDI, diabetes: the silent pandemic and its impact on Australia, 2012
