A type 2 diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You’ve been handed a condition that will require ongoing attention, regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and likely medication — and it can be hard to know where to start or who to turn to.
The answer, in Australia, is your GP.
Your general practitioner is the central figure in your diabetes care — from diagnosis through to long-term management. They coordinate your treatment, arrange your monitoring tests, connect you with specialists when needed, and help you access the Medicare-funded supports available to you.
This guide explains what type 2 diabetes is, how widespread it is in Australia, and — most practically — exactly how your GP supports you through every stage of living with it.
How Common Is Type 2 Diabetes in Australia?
Type 2 diabetes is one of Australia’s most significant and growing health challenges.
Almost 1.2 million Australians — 4.6% of the population — were living with type 2 diabetes in 2021. And the scale of the problem has grown dramatically: the number of people living with type 2 diabetes in Australia increased almost three-fold between 2000 and 2021, from around 400,000 to almost 1.2 million.
Every single day, more Australians are diagnosed. Around 45,700 people were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Australia in 2021 — around 125 people a day.
In 2024, type 2 diabetes was responsible for an estimated 128,000 years of healthy life lost in Australia, accounting for 2.2% of the total burden of disease. The three leading risk factors contributing to type 2 diabetes total burden were overweight and obesity, dietary risks, and physical inactivity.
Type 2 diabetes is also more prevalent in communities facing socioeconomic disadvantage. In 2018–19, an estimated 10.7% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were living with type 2 diabetes — a rate significantly higher than the broader Australian population. Type 2 diabetes prevalence increased with both the level of remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage.
Sunshine, in Melbourne’s west, is one of Victoria’s most diverse and multicultural communities — and research confirms that type 2 diabetes incidence has increased in Australia among those born in Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands in recent years. For many families in our area, diabetes management is a daily reality.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or doesn’t use insulin effectively — or both. Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose (sugar) from food to enter cells and be used for energy. When this system breaks down, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead.
Unlike type 1 diabetes — which is an autoimmune condition present from childhood — type 2 diabetes typically develops gradually in adults, often over many years, and is strongly influenced by lifestyle factors, genetics, and weight.
Many people live with elevated blood glucose for years before a diagnosis is made, because the early stages often produce no noticeable symptoms. This is one reason regular health checks with your GP are so important — catching elevated blood sugar early, before it becomes full diabetes, opens a meaningful window for prevention.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Because type 2 diabetes often develops slowly and silently, many people are diagnosed incidentally during routine blood tests. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Unusual fatigue or low energy
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or wounds
- Frequent infections (skin, urinary tract, or thrush)
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Increased hunger, even after eating
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms — particularly if you have risk factors including excess weight, a family history of diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle — make an appointment with your GP for a blood test.
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Australia
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have a single cause. It develops from a combination of genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors. The most significant risk factors include:
Weight — carrying excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance significantly.
Physical inactivity — regular exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively. A sedentary lifestyle is a major modifiable risk factor.
Family history — having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes meaningfully increases your risk.
Age — risk rises significantly after 45, though type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in younger Australians. In the last decade, Australia has seen a 44% increase in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes between the ages of 21 and 39.
Ethnicity — people of Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds have higher rates of type 2 diabetes at lower body weights compared to Caucasians.
Previous gestational diabetes — women who developed diabetes during pregnancy have a significantly elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Pre-diabetes — blood glucose levels that are elevated but not yet in the diabetic range (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance) are a strong predictor of future type 2 diabetes if left unaddressed.
How Is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through blood tests, which your GP can arrange:
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) — measures your average blood glucose level over the past three months. An HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above indicates diabetes. A result between 41–47 mmol/mol (5.7–6.4%) indicates pre-diabetes.
Fasting plasma glucose — a blood sample taken after at least 8 hours without eating.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) — involves drinking a glucose solution and having blood drawn at intervals to see how your body processes it.
Your GP will interpret your results alongside your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history before confirming a diagnosis. A single abnormal test is typically confirmed with a second test before a formal diagnosis is made.
The Central Role of Your GP in Diabetes Management
General practice maintains a primary role from identifying those at risk right through to caring for patients at the end of life when it comes to type 2 diabetes management in Australia. GPs perform a fundamental role in the diagnosis and management of patients with diabetes.
This is not just about writing prescriptions. Your GP coordinates virtually every aspect of your diabetes care — acting as the hub of a team that may include diabetes educators, dietitians, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and exercise physiologists.
Here is exactly what that support looks like in practice.
1. Creating Your Chronic Disease Management Plan
The cornerstone of GP-coordinated diabetes care in Australia is the Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly called the GP Management Plan or GPMP).
A written plan, developed by your GP and/or nurse in consultation with you, which is tailored to your individual needs — it includes your management goals, medication, diet, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring and other self-care strategies.
The plan also sets out which allied health professionals you’ll be referred to, and when regular reviews will occur to check your progress and adjust your treatment.
You may be eligible for up to 5 subsidised visits per calendar year to allied health through Medicare under this plan — including dietitians, diabetes educators, podiatrists, and exercise physiologists.
For people with type 2 diabetes specifically, Medicare also funds group allied health services — delivered by diabetes educators, exercise physiologists, and dietitians — to supplement individual care. This gives patients access to structured, evidence-based group education and support programs.
If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and don’t yet have a Chronic Disease Management Plan, ask your GP. It is one of the most practically valuable things they can do for you — it coordinates your care, sets out clear goals, and unlocks Medicare-subsidised access to the wider health team you need.
2. Monitoring Your HbA1c and Blood Tests
HbA1c testing at least every 6 months is recommended to monitor glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This single blood test gives your GP a reliable picture of how well your blood glucose has been controlled over the preceding three months — far more informative than a single glucose reading.
The plan includes scheduled reviews to check your progress, which may involve reviewing your blood glucose levels, weight, blood pressure, HbA1c, and cholesterol.
Your GP will also arrange regular checks for:
Blood pressure — people with type 2 diabetes have a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure is routinely monitored and managed as part of diabetes care.
Cholesterol and lipid profile — elevated LDL cholesterol is a key cardiovascular risk factor and is checked at least annually.
Kidney function (eGFR and microalbuminuria) — diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in Australia. Urine and blood tests check for early signs of diabetic kidney disease before symptoms develop.
Foot assessment — nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and circulation problems in the feet are serious complications that are entirely preventable with regular monitoring. Your GP will examine your feet and refer to a podiatrist if needed.
Eye health (diabetic retinopathy screening) — damage to the small blood vessels of the retina can occur silently for years. Your GP will arrange regular referrals for eye screening.
Weight and BMI — monitored at every visit, given the central role of weight management in type 2 diabetes.
Research published in the Medical Journal of Australia confirms that regular reviews under a structured management plan are associated with meaningful improvements in HbA1c and LDL cholesterol levels — and that patients who receive regular reviews achieve significantly better outcomes than those who don’t.
3. Medication Management
Many people with type 2 diabetes require medication — either from the outset or as the condition progresses. Your GP prescribes, reviews, and adjusts your medications over time.
Metformin remains the first-line medication for most people with type 2 diabetes in Australia. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity, and is well tolerated by most patients.
When blood glucose isn’t adequately controlled with metformin alone — or if metformin isn’t suitable — your GP may add or switch to other classes of medication, including:
- SGLT-2 inhibitors (such as empagliflozin/Jardiance) — which help the kidneys remove excess glucose and have proven cardiovascular and kidney-protective benefits
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as semaglutide/Ozempic) — which lower blood glucose, reduce appetite, and support weight loss; currently attracting significant attention in Australian diabetes management
- DPP-4 inhibitors — a well-tolerated option for people who can’t use other medications
- Sulfonylureas — an older class of medication that stimulates insulin production
- Insulin — used when other medications are insufficient to control blood glucose
All medications used for type 2 diabetes in Australia are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which significantly reduces cost for patients with a Medicare card.
Your GP reviews your medications at every visit — adjusting doses, addressing side effects, and updating your regimen as your needs change over time.
4. Lifestyle Support and Referrals
Lifestyle modification is genuinely therapeutic for type 2 diabetes — not just complementary to medication, but in some cases sufficient on its own to bring blood glucose back into the normal range, particularly in the earlier stages after diagnosis.
Your GP provides evidence-based guidance on:
Diet — there is no single “diabetes diet,” but reducing refined carbohydrates and added sugars, eating plenty of vegetables and fibre, and choosing lower glycaemic index foods all support better blood glucose control. Your GP can refer you to a Medicare-subsidised dietitian through your Chronic Disease Management Plan.
Physical activity — exercise increases insulin sensitivity and helps control blood glucose directly. Significant reductions in the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, kidney failure, limb amputations and vision loss can be achieved through type 2 diabetes management. Your GP can refer you to an exercise physiologist for a tailored program.
Weight management — even modest weight loss produces meaningful improvements in blood glucose, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk. Your GP can support this with dietary advice, referral to a dietitian, and where appropriate, weight management medications.
Smoking cessation — smoking dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetic complications. Your GP can prescribe cessation medications and refer to support programs.
Alcohol — alcohol affects blood glucose significantly, particularly in people on certain diabetes medications. Your GP can advise on safe limits.
5. Managing Cardiovascular and Other Risks
Type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and limb complications. A major part of your GP’s role is addressing these risks proactively — not waiting for complications to appear.
This involves:
- Cardiovascular risk assessment using the Australian absolute CVD risk calculator
- Blood pressure management to the recommended target (generally below 130–140/80–90 mmHg)
- Statin therapy for cholesterol, where indicated
- Low-dose aspirin in some high-risk patients
- Referral to a cardiologist or endocrinologist when cardiovascular or metabolic complexity warrants specialist input
6. Mental Health Support
Living with a chronic condition like type 2 diabetes has a real psychological impact. The burden of daily self-monitoring, dietary restriction, medication management, and worry about complications takes a toll on mental wellbeing — and depression and anxiety are significantly more common in people with diabetes than in the general population.
Your GP can screen for depression and anxiety as part of diabetes reviews, create a Mental Health Care Plan (giving you access to Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions), and provide a space to talk openly about the emotional weight of managing a chronic condition.
If you are struggling with the psychological side of your diabetes — “diabetes distress,” low motivation, or the feeling of being overwhelmed — please raise it with your GP. It is a legitimate and important part of your care.
7. Coordinating Your Care Team
For people with type 2 diabetes, effective management often involves a team of health professionals. Your GP is the coordinator of that team, making referrals and ensuring everyone involved in your care is working toward the same goals.
Your team may include:
- Diabetes educator — helps you understand and manage your condition, including blood glucose monitoring, medication management, and self-care strategies
- Dietitian — provides personalised nutrition advice
- Podiatrist — monitors foot health and manages any nerve or circulation problems
- Ophthalmologist or optometrist — screens for diabetic retinopathy
- Exercise physiologist — designs a safe, effective exercise program
- Endocrinologist — for complex cases where blood glucose is difficult to control or diabetes complications are present
- Cardiologist — for cardiovascular risk management in higher-risk patients
- Psychologist — for mental health support
Your GP refers you to these providers, communicates with them, and reviews their recommendations as part of your ongoing care. You don’t need to navigate this independently.
What to Expect at a Diabetes Review Appointment
Regular GP reviews are the backbone of diabetes management. At a typical diabetes review, your GP will:
- Check your most recent HbA1c and discuss what the result means
- Review your blood pressure, weight, and other measurements
- Go through your medications and address any side effects or concerns
- Assess your feet if needed
- Discuss your diet, activity, and lifestyle
- Ask about your mood and how you’re coping
- Update your Chronic Disease Management Plan and referrals as needed
- Order any blood or urine tests due
It helps to come prepared — bring a list of any questions, note any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, and be honest about your diet, activity, and how consistently you’re taking your medication. Your GP is there to help, not to judge.
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?
This is a question many patients ask — and the honest answer is: for some people, yes. A significant reduction in blood glucose to the normal range — often called “remission” — is achievable in the earlier stages of type 2 diabetes through substantial weight loss, dietary change, and increased physical activity.
Remission is more likely in people who are diagnosed early, have had diabetes for a shorter time, and achieve meaningful weight loss. It is not guaranteed, and it requires sustained lifestyle change rather than a one-off effort.
Even when full remission isn’t achieved, meaningful improvements in blood glucose control are possible — and every improvement reduces the risk of complications. Your GP can discuss what realistic goals look like for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What blood tests does my GP order for type 2 diabetes monitoring? At minimum, your GP will arrange HbA1c testing every 3–6 months to monitor blood glucose control. Annually, they will typically check your cholesterol and triglycerides, kidney function (eGFR and urine microalbumin), liver function, and blood pressure. A foot examination and referral for eye screening are also part of the recommended annual cycle of care.
What is an HbA1c target for type 2 diabetes in Australia? The general HbA1c target for most Australians with type 2 diabetes is 48–58 mmol/mol (6.5–7.5%). This is individualised — your GP will set a target that balances blood glucose control with your risk of hypoglycaemia, age, and other health factors. The aim is to keep HbA1c as low as reasonably achievable without causing side effects.
Am I entitled to a Chronic Disease Management Plan through Medicare? If you have a chronic condition like type 2 diabetes that has been present for 6 months or more, you are generally eligible for a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan through Medicare. This gives you access to up to 5 subsidised allied health visits per year, including dietitian, diabetes educator, podiatrist, and exercise physiologist services. Ask your GP if you don’t already have one.
What Medicare items cover diabetes group education in Australia? Medicare funds group allied health services for people with type 2 diabetes through a set of specific MBS items. These cover group education delivered by eligible diabetes educators, exercise physiologists, and dietitians. Your GP refers you to these services as part of your management plan, and they are available in addition to your 5 individual allied health sessions.
When does type 2 diabetes require insulin? Not everyone with type 2 diabetes needs insulin. It is typically considered when blood glucose cannot be adequately controlled with oral medications alone, or when certain complications are present. Starting insulin is not a sign of failure — it’s a clinical decision made when it’s the most effective option for your situation. Your GP will discuss this with you if and when it becomes relevant.
Can I manage type 2 diabetes without medication? In the early stages of type 2 diabetes, some people achieve good blood glucose control through diet, exercise, and weight loss alone. This is more likely if the condition is caught early and lifestyle changes are made promptly and consistently. As diabetes progresses over time, the pancreas produces less insulin, and medication typically becomes necessary. Your GP monitors your progress and will recommend medication when it’s clinically indicated.
How often should I see my GP for diabetes management? For most people with stable type 2 diabetes, a review every 3–6 months is appropriate. This aligns with the recommended HbA1c testing frequency. If your blood glucose is difficult to control, if you have complications, or if you’ve recently started or changed medication, your GP may want to see you more frequently.
The Bottom Line
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition — but it is also one of the most manageable chronic diseases in Australian primary care. With the right GP support, most people with type 2 diabetes can live well, reduce their risk of complications, and maintain a good quality of life.
Your GP doesn’t just monitor your numbers. They know your full health history, coordinate your care team, support your mental wellbeing, and help you set realistic goals at every stage of the condition.
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and don’t yet have a Chronic Disease Management Plan in place — or if you’ve been managing your condition without regular reviews — now is a good time to reconnect with your GP.
At Central Health Clinic in Sunshine, our GPs provide comprehensive type 2 diabetes management including diagnosis, HbA1c monitoring, Chronic Disease Management Plans, medication management, and referrals to diabetes educators, dietitians, podiatrists, and specialists. Book an appointment today and let us help you manage your diabetes well.
