Diabetes is usually diagnosed with a blood test. The most common tests include a fasting blood glucose test, which checks your blood sugar after you've had nothing to eat or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours, and the HbA1c test, which measures your average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months. Your GP will consider your symptoms, medical history and risk factors to decide which test is most appropriate.

There is no known cure for diabetes, but it can be managed very effectively. With the right combination of medical care, lifestyle changes and support, many people (particularly those with Type 2 diabetes) can keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range. In some cases, Type 2 diabetes may even go into remission, especially with early intervention and sustained changes to diet and exercise.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually starts in childhood or early adulthood and requires insulin therapy.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common and often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, weight, and physical activity. It generally develops later in life and may be managed with oral medications, injectable therapies, healthy eating, and regular exercise.

For ongoing diabetes care, it’s recommended to see your GP every 3 to 6 months, depending on how stable your condition is. If your blood sugar levels are fluctuating or you're starting new medications, more frequent visits may be advised. These check-ups help ensure your treatment plan remains on track and up to date.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born. However, it does increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future. If you've had gestational diabetes, your GP will recommend regular blood sugar checks in the years following pregnancy to help catch any early signs of long-term changes.

Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing diabetes. A balanced diet with whole foods, low-GI carbs, and plenty of vegetables helps stabilise blood sugar. Regular physical activity, even a daily walk, improves insulin sensitivity and energy levels.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important, and even small losses can have a positive impact. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol also support better blood sugar control.

Your GP or care team can offer tailored advice and ongoing support to help you stay on track.

A diabetes check-up is an opportunity to review how your condition is tracking and ensure your management plan remains on the right path. During the appointment, your GP may check your blood glucose levels or go over recent test results to assess how well your blood sugar is being controlled.

They may also assess your weight, blood pressure, and foot health, as these are important indicators of your overall wellbeing and can help detect early signs of complications.

Your GP will review your current medications and make any necessary adjustments based on your symptoms, test results, or any side effects you may be experiencing. There’s also time to talk about your diet, physical activity, and any new symptoms or concerns you might have.

If needed, your doctor may order additional tests, such as kidney function, cholesterol levels, or eye checks, to monitor for potential complications associated with diabetes.

These visits are also a valuable time to update your Chronic Disease Management Plan, which may provide access to subsidised allied health services such as dietetics, podiatry, and diabetes education through Medicare.