Type 2 diabetes is one of Australia’s most common chronic health conditions, affecting over 1.3 million people (AIHW, 2024). However, with the right treatment and guidance it is highly manageable.
What is it?
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively (known as insulin resistance). Insulin allows glucose from the blood stream to enter the body’s cells for energy. When it stops working properly, glucose builds up in the blood, and over time, this can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically develop gradually and include thirst and frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
How does it occur and what causes it?
Type 2 diabetes develops over time as cells in the muscles, fat, and liver gradually become less responsive to insulin. The pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, but eventually cannot keep up, and blood glucose levels begin to rise.
Common risk factors leading to t2d include physical inactivity, excess body weight, poor diet, family history, age, and certain ethnic backgrounds. Typically, a combination of these factors will contribute to the condition.
What should you do?
Seeing your GP will help provide guidance for your treatment plan. Management typically involves a multidisciplinary team including your doctor, a dietitian, and an exercise physiologist.
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for managing Type 2 diabetes.
In line with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) guidelines, people with Type 2 diabetes are recommended to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise per week, alongside two or more strength training sessions weekly. Both forms of exercise improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose, support healthy weight management, and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
An exercise physiologist will assess your individual health status and design a safe, structured program tailored to you. EP sessions may be subsidised through a Medicare Chronic Care Management plan, so it is highly recommended you speak with your GP about a referral.
Treatment timeline
Improvements in blood glucose and energy can often be felt within the first few weeks of regular exercise and dietary change. Meaningful reductions in HbA1c (a 3-month average of blood glucose) are typically seen within 3–6 months. Long-term management focuses on reducing the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Can you fully recover?
Remission refers to achieving normal blood glucose levels again without medication. It is possible for some people, particularly those earlier in the disease course who achieve significant weight loss and sustained lifestyle change. It is not a cure, and it is not achievable for everyone, but it represents a realistic goal worth working towards with your healthcare team.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your GP or healthcare team for guidance specific to your situation.
References
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2024) Diabetes: Australian facts, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 25 May 2026.
Written by Julian Toomey, Exercise Physiologist at Lifecare St George Physiotherapy
Julian Toomey is an Exercise Physiologist at Lifecare St George Physiotherapy and Doctor of Physiotherapy candidate at the University of Sydney. He takes a holistic approach to health, using tailored exercise programs to help clients manage chronic conditions, improve daily function and build long-term healthy habits. Julian is passionate about behaviour change and empowering people to live healthier, more active lives.