National Diabetes Week in 2026 falls during the week of July 12 to 18. For this reason, and the fact that the rate of diabetes among Australians aged 75 and over is almost 8 times higher than in younger adults aged 18–44 (according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – AIHW), we thought it was the perfect time to shine a light on how older Australians can reduce their risk and live well with type 2 diabetes.
In saying that, this article will detail common risk factors for seniors, signs and symptoms of diabetes in older people, as well as tips to prevent and manage diabetes in older adults. All with the goal of providing general health information that empowers Australians to have more informed conversations with their GP and healthcare team.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
According to Diabetes Australia, type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. In simple terms, this means the body struggles to move sugar from the bloodstream into the cells where it’s needed for energy, leading to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels over time.
Common Risk Factors
Type 2 diabetes develops due to a combination of factors, some within your control, and some that aren’t. Understanding both can help you and your healthcare team take a more informed approach to prevention and management.
Risk Factors You Can Change:
These are lifestyle-related factors that, with the right support, can be modified to help reduce your risk:
- Being overweight or carrying excess weight, particularly around the abdomen
- Physical inactivity – a sedentary lifestyle reduces the body’s ability to use insulin effectively
- Unhealthy eating patterns – diets high in processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats
- Smoking – linked to increased insulin resistance
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor sleep habits and chronic, unmanaged stress
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol – both are manageable with lifestyle changes and medical support
Risk Factors You Can’t Change
Some risk factors are beyond your control. Being aware of them is important so you can discuss appropriate screening and monitoring with your doctor:
- Age – risk increases with age, particularly after 55
- Family history – type 2 diabetes has strong genetic and family-related risk factors
- Ethnicity – certain backgrounds carry a higher genetic predisposition, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those of Asian, Middle Eastern, or Pacific Islander descent.
- History of gestational diabetes – having diabetes during pregnancy increases your long-term risk.
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
- Previous cardiovascular disease
If any of these apply to you, it’s worth speaking with your GP about how frequently you should be screened, even if you feel well.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a term used to describe blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It’s an important early warning sign, and a window of opportunity.
Those with prediabetes are significantly more likely to develop diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. However, prediabetes does not automatically lead to a diabetes diagnosis. With the right lifestyle changes and support from a healthcare team, many people with prediabetes can bring their blood sugar levels back into a healthy range.
Prediabetes often has no obvious symptoms, which is why it frequently goes undetected without a blood test. If you’re concerned about your risk, the Diabetes Australia Risk Calculator is a helpful first step, and your GP can arrange a simple test to check your levels.
For more information, visit Diabetes Australia.
Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes in Older People
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t always make itself known straight away. In older adults in particular, symptoms can develop slowly or be mild enough to go unnoticed, which is why regular health checks are so important.
Some common signs that may be associated with type 2 diabetes include:
- Increased thirst or dry mouth
- Needing to urinate more frequently, particularly at night
- Feeling tired or lacking energy more than usual
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts, wounds, or bruises
- Frequent infections, such as skin, bladder, or urinary tract infections
- Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet
- Unexplained weight changes
In older adults, some of these signs can easily be mistaken for normal ageing or attributed to other health conditions. This can make type 2 diabetes harder to identify without a professional assessment.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your GP as soon as possible. A simple blood test is all that’s needed to check your blood sugar levels. Early detection gives you and your healthcare team the best opportunity to manage your health effectively.
For more information on symptoms and when to seek help, visit Diabetes Australia or speak with your local GP.
The Statistics
Before we dive into prevention and management times, we thought it best to give you a lay of the land, specifically regarding the prevalence of diabetes in Australia in recent years.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
- As of 2022-24, the prevalence of diabetes in Australia was approximately 1 in 15 people (about 1.3 million people).
- As of 2022-24, almost 14% of Australians aged 75 and over were living with diabetes.
- In 2023-24, diabetes accounted for 11% of hospitalisations.
- Type 2 diabetes was the 12th highest specific cause of disease burden in 2024.
- As of 2022-24, diabetes was 1.8 times as common in males compared to females.
Tips to Prevent Diabetes in Older Adults
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent type 2 diabetes, research shows that simple, consistent lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk, even later in life. Below, we explore some of the most widely recognised tips to prevent diabetes in older adults, based on what Diabetes Australia recommends older Australians focus on:
Move More
Regular physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, maintain a healthy weight, and support your overall wellbeing. You don’t need to run marathons; even gentle, regular movement like walking, swimming, or tai chi can be beneficial.
In terms of exercise tips for older adults with diabetes, Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines recommend that older Australians aim to be active on most days. If you have existing health conditions or haven’t been active for a while, speak with your GP first. They can refer you to an exercise physiologist who can create a safe, tailored plan.
Eat Well
What you eat plays a major role in how your body manages blood sugar. While no single food is a cure or treatment for diabetes, research suggests that certain foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, may help manage blood sugar levels and support a healthy weight as part of an overall balanced diet. Both of these are key factors in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in older adults.
You don’t need a strict or complicated diet plan to make a difference. Small, sustainable changes, like adding more fibre-rich foods to your plate or swapping processed snacks for whole food alternatives, can be a helpful starting point. The Eat for Health guidelines from the Australian Government offer general guidance on balanced eating at any age.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s nutritional needs are different, particularly as we age. What works well for one person may not be appropriate for another. A GP or accredited practising dietitian can help you identify the foods that best support your individual health needs, preferences, and lifestyle, including any other conditions you may be managing alongside diabetes.
Sleep More & Stress, Less
Poor sleep and chronic stress can affect the hormones that regulate blood sugar, making it harder for your body to maintain healthy levels over time. The Sleep Health Foundation outlines the links between sleep and chronic disease, including diabetes.
Finding ways to manage day-to-day stress, whether through gentle movement, social connection, or relaxation techniques, can support your overall metabolic health. If sleep or stress is a persistent concern, your GP is a good starting point.
Quit Unhealthy Habits
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are both linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Quit and the Australian Government’s alcohol guidelines are both trusted resources if you’re looking to make changes. Your GP can also connect you with local support programs and strategies.
Get Regular Health Checks
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, with few obvious symptoms in the early stages, making early detection one of the most valuable tools in preventing type 2 diabetes in older Australians. Regular health checks are one of the most important things you can do. The Australian Department of Health recommends talking to your GP about screening, particularly if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, excess weight around the abdomen, high blood pressure, or a history of gestational diabetes.
You can also use the Diabetes Australia Risk Calculator to get a quick, informal sense of your personal risk level before your next appointment.
How to Manage Diabetes in Seniors
A type 2 diabetes diagnosis is life-changing, but it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right support and day-to-day habits, many older Australians live full, active lives with diabetes well managed.
Below we have curated the top diabetes management tips for elderly parents, keeping in mind that every person’s experience with diabetes is different, and any changes to your management plan should always be discussed with your GP or healthcare team first”
Working With Your Healthcare Team
Managing type 2 diabetes is not something you need to navigate alone. Your GP is your first point of contact, but effective diabetes care often involves a team. Diabetes Australia outlines the range of health professionals who may be involved in your care, including diabetes educators, podiatrists, optometrists, and specialists.
Regular check-ins allow your management plan to be reviewed and adjusted as your health changes.
Eating for Blood Sugar Balance
Food choices have a direct impact on blood sugar levels, but eating well with diabetes doesn’t mean eating joylessly. Diabetes Australia’s nutrition guidance provides a solid overview of general principles for people living with diabetes.
Every person’s nutritional needs are different, particularly as we age. An accredited practising dietitian can help you develop an approach that works for your tastes, your health, and your life.
Exercise and Movement
Staying active is one of the most powerful ways to support blood sugar management. Diabetes Australia highlights how regular movement helps your body respond to insulin more effectively and supports heart health.
An accredited exercise physiologist can assess your current fitness and design a program that keeps you moving safely, particularly important if you have other health conditions alongside diabetes.
Monitoring and Medication
How diabetes is monitored and treated varies significantly from person to person. The NDSS (National Diabetes Services Scheme) is an Australian Government initiative that supports people living with diabetes, including access to subsidised monitoring products and education services.
Never adjust or stop medications without speaking to your doctor first. If you have questions about your treatment, your GP or diabetes care team is always the right place to start.
Looking After Your Mental Health
Living with a chronic condition can take an emotional toll, and that’s completely understandable. Beyond Blue has specific resources for older Australians experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression, all of which are more common among people managing chronic illness.
If you’re struggling emotionally, speak with your GP. They can connect you with a psychologist, counsellor, or community program. The NDSS also offers emotional wellbeing resources specifically for people living with diabetes.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your GP or a registered healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, medications, or health management plan. If you have concerns about your health, please seek guidance from an appropriately qualified health professional.
