Yes. Research shows that up to six out of 10 cases of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented with lifestyle changes like improving your diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.¹ 

You can use our online risk calculator to check your risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next five years.  

Getting regular heath checks with your GP can help you to understand your risk and get access to the right information and support for your overall health and wellbeing. 

Prediabetes is not diabetes but it means the blood glucose level is no longer in the healthy range, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Having prediabetes doubles or triples your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 5 -10 years.  

The good news is that with small changes to your eating habits, physical activity, and lifestyle, you may lower your risk and prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.  

Prediabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher, but not yet in the diabetes range. Without making changes, many people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. The good news is you have the power to change that. 

By making some healthy changes, you may prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in up to 58% of cases. 

Prediabetes can be reversed: Making necessary changes like being more active, eating well, and building healthy habits can bring your blood glucose back to target and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Up to 58% of people at risk of type 2 diabetes may prevent or delay the onset through lifestyle changes like moving more, eating well, and looking after their sleep and stress. But in some cases, your GP might also recommend medicine, like Metformin or GLP-1 medication.  

In reducing the risk of diabetes, medications are not a substitute for healthy habits, but they can be an extra support if needed. If you’re unsure whether the medication is right for you, talk with your GP. They can explain what’s available, what it might cost, and help you make a plan that fits your life. 

It is important to be aware of potential scam medications on social media or misleading websites. Some products advertised online especially on social media claim to be a version of current medications or can treat or even cure condition such as type 2 diabetes. These may look convincing, but many are fake, unsafe, or illegal.  

To stay safe, only buy diabetes medications from registered pharmacies and always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new treatment. Check if a product is approved by the TGA (Australia’s medicine regulator). Find out more about recognising a scam.  

Yes! There are national and state-based programs provided by Diabetes Australia and other organisations to support people looking to improve their health and reduce their risk of developing type diabetes.  

Find out more about prevention programs.    

You can contact 1800PREVENT (type 2 diabetes) for free, Diabetes Australia’s national type 2 diabetes prevention information service. This service is for anyone who is concerned about their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and is interested in practical information or services to assist them in reducing their risk. Find our more.