Diabetes in Australia

DIABETES - THE FACTS

* A condition where blood sugar levels are too high

* Caused by a lack of insulin produced by the pancreas

* 1,176,179 Australians have diabetes

* Of these, 1,019,707 have Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to lifestyle

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIABETES?

* Type 1 - An inability to produce insulin, usually presents in childhood and can't be prevented

* Type 2 - Often a result of diet and lifestyle, more prominent in older and overweight people

* Gestational - Occurs during pregnancy when the body can't cope with extra insulin demand

HOW THE STATES AND TERRITORIES STACK UP

1. SA - 98,475 people have diabetes (5.8 per cent)

2. NT - 13,382 (5.6 per cent)

3. TAS - 27,261 (5.3 per cent)

4. NSW - 391,745 (5.2 per cent)

5. VIC - 294,234 (5.0 per cent)

6. WA - 117,025 (4.4 per cent)

7. QLD - 217,583 (4.5 per cent)

8. ACT - 16,024 (4.0 per cent)

(Source: www.diabetesmap.com.au)