Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterised by elevated blood glucose levels due to the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin or effectively use insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the pancreas creates little
to no insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

The body becomes resistant to insulin or produces insufficient amounts.

Pre-diabetes

Blood glucose levels are elevated but below the threshold for
type 2 diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

A condition of elevated blood glucose during pregnancy.
Diabetes affects approximately 1.5 million Australians, with type 2 diabetes being the most prevalent (85-90% of all cases). An additional 500,000 are estimated to be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes typically develops during childhood or early adulthood and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes usually develops gradually. Without proper management, diabetes can lead to serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems and nerve damage due to elevated blood glucose.

Risk Factors

Age is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, with risk increasing after age 45. However, rates are rising amongst younger adults. Family history and genetic predisposition play significant roles in all types of diabetes.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, Pacific Islanders, Maori, Indian subcontinent and Chinese populations are at higher risk.

Modifiable risk factors include overweight and obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, alongside physical inactivity, high sugar and processed food consumption
Previous gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Workplace risk factors include sedentary occupation, shift work, high-stress environments and irregular meal times due to work demands.

Night shift workers have a 1.4 times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to day workers. 

Impact of TENSH Habits

Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential for diabetes prevention and management, as it improves insulin sensitivity and enhances muscle glucose uptake. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 40-60% and significantly improve blood glucose control in individuals with existing diabetes. A combination of cardiovascular and strength exercises has superior outcomes to single types of activity.

Muscle-Strengthening Exercise

Muscle-strengthening exercises increase muscle mass, which in turn improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Increased muscle use burns glucose within the muscle and increases glucose uptake from the bloodstream, which helps to lower blood glucose levels.

Sedentary Behaviour

Sedentary behaviour directly impacts glucose control as prolonged sitting decreases insulin sensitivity and impairs glucose metabolism. Regular movement breaks are beneficial for managing blood glucose levels and promoting metabolic health.

Fruit & Vegetable Intake

Fruit and vegetable intake provides fibre, vitamins and minerals. While fruits contain fructose (fruit sugar), it has a lower impact on blood glucose compared to added sugar. High-fibre foods slow glucose absorption and improve blood glucose control.

Sugar & Saturated Fat

Managing sugar and fat intake is essential for diabetes management and prevention. Added sugar is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. High saturated fat intake is associated with increased heart disease risk, which is even more pressing as diabetes is also a risk.

Managing Alcohol Intake

Alcohol intake can cause blood glucose fluctuations and lead to Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Alcohol intake can also impair the efficacy of medications.

Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness practice can help manage diabetes-related stress and improve self-care. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can worsen blood glucose control. Mindfulness practices have been shown to improve HbA1c and wellbeing in individuals living with diabetes.

Sleep Habits

Sleep habits that improve sleep quality and duration can positively impact glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Poor sleep can worsen blood glucose control and increase the risk.

Impact on the Workplace

Many people living with diabetes have good control and the condition has minimal impact on work. However, poorly controlled diabetes can impact workplace productivity through increased absenteeism and presenteeism.
Workplace accommodations that support employees include flexible meal and break schedules to accommodate blood glucose monitoring and medication timing, access to refrigeration for insulin storage and private areas for glucose testing and insulin administration. The availability of healthy food in on-site cafes and vending machines helps people living with diabetes to maintain good control.

Resources & Tools

Diabetes Australia

Information on all diabetes types, self-management resources, and advocacy support.

Australian
Diabetes Society

Evidence-based clinical guidelines, professional development resources, and patient education materials, including dietary guides and medication management information.

Australian Diabetes
Educators Association

Access to credentialed diabetes educators for individual and workplace support

National Diabetes Services Scheme

subsidised diabetes products, education programs, and support services to all Australians with diabetes, including workplace accommodation guidance.

AUSDRISK

Evidence-based clinical guidelines, professional development resources, and patient education materials, including dietary guides and medication management information.

TENSH is committed to improve Australians' health and create well beings by making workplace health support the norm.

Product
FeaturesFor Organisations
Resources
BlogSupportAbout
Legal
Privacy Policy
© 2025 TENSH. All rights reserved