Your blood sugar level is too high; it looks like you have diabetes.
It’s not a sentence anyone wants to hear, but for more than 1.9 million Australians living with a form of diabetes, it’s a harsh reality.
I am one of those 1.9 million Australians. I was diagnosed in 2013 (at the same time I found out I was about to become a mum, and no, it wasn’t gestational diabetes!) and have been navigating the journey that is Type 1 diabetes ever since. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is the misconceptions behind the different types of diabetes and what can cause them.
Understanding the Different Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). There are several types, each with unique causes and management needs.
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin to survive. This can be administered either via needles or an insulin pump.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. It is often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity and weight, but genetics also play a role.
- Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth, but it increases the risk of the mother developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Some people may develop ‘other’ diabetes because of a different health condition, disease or even medication. This type of ‘other’ diabetes may be a temporary condition, but it can also be permanent.
World Diabetes Day, held annually on 14 November, is the largest global awareness campaign dedicated to diabetes. Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation, the date marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1921. The day serves as a reminder of the growing impact of diabetes worldwide, while also promoting better education, prevention and management strategies.
This year, communities around the world will participate in awareness events, screenings and educational activities. The campaign also emphasises reducing stigma, supporting those living with diabetes and encouraging governments to improve healthcare systems. On 14 November, the blue circle, the global symbol for diabetes, reminds us of the collective responsibility to fight this condition together.
World Diabetes Day
- Friday, 14 November
- The 2025 theme is Diabetes and Wellbeing
- Learn More
Read more stories from The Caboolture Guide print magazine here:
- Caboolture Connect: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Podcast Review: The Imperfects
- British Cinema Comes to Brisbane
- Grass Emperor – Lethrinus laticaudis
- Organic Gardening in November
- Art of Banksy Chapter 2 Premieres in Brisbane
- Procurement begins for On Demand Transport trial on Bribie Island
- From Butter to Yoghurt: The Story of Caboolture’s Dairy Industry
- There’s No Place Like a Horse
- No Drama! Just Llamas in the Library
- Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
- Have a Rockin’ Good Time at Rock of Stages
- Senior’s Concert and Christmas Morning Tea
- Why Every Small Business Needs a Website That Works
- Family Forms Foundations of Temple of Juniper
- The Pies Have It!
- Toy Run to Spread Cheer for Sick Kids
- Historic Church Marks Milestone with Community Celebration
