Managing type 2 diabetes? An expert explains exactly what you need to know after diagnosis.

Thanks to our brand partner, ReCET Clinical Study

A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming, and often arrives with a sudden flood of appointments, lifestyle changes and long-term health concerns to manage.

It's one of Australia's most common chronic conditions. According to the latest national health data, it's estimated to affect 1.2 million people and is the most frequently diagnosed form of diabetes nationwide.

Type 2 diabetes affects how the body manages blood sugar, either because it can't use insulin properly or doesn't make enough of it. Over time, consistently high blood glucose can increase the risk of complications involving the heart, kidneys and eyes.

For many people, however, the condition can be effectively managed with the right support, medication and lifestyle changes.

According to Professor Elif Ekinci, Clinical Endocrinologist and Director of the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations at the University of Melbourne, there has never been a better time for cautious optimism. This is what she said everyone living with type 2 diabetes should know.

Professor Elif Ekinci. Image: Supplied.

Type 2 diabetes is rising (and affecting younger Australians.)

Type 2 diabetes is not something that only appears later in life.

Diabetes Australia's 2024 State of the Nation report found the number of people diagnosed with diabetes between the ages of 21 and 39 has increased by 44 per cent, while diagnoses before the age of 20 have risen by 17 per cent.

Professor Ekinci said the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in younger people is one of the most concerning trends she sees.

"Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in younger people," she told Mamamia.

"It's a worry, because once you have the condition at a younger age, it can persist and could lead to more complications."

Professor Ekinci emphasised this rise isn't about individual failure or blame. Instead, it reflects a complex mix of genetics, lifestyle changes and broader social factors.

Lifestyle changes that actually make a difference.

When it comes to managing type 2 diabetes, Professor Ekinci is clear about what matters most.

"Increasing physical activity is actually a really important aspect of lifestyle that's really essential," she said.

"As you can imagine, muscles are big consumers of glucose. So, physical inactivity means that there's more glucose that's not being taken up by the muscles."

Aim for at least 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day. Image: Canva.

Her advice is to find a blend of exercise.

"Ideally, people are actually physically active," Professor Ekinci said. "That means, doing exercise for at least half an hour to 45 minutes every day of aerobic, and resistance exercise several times per week as well.

"It could be just walking. The main thing is it's got to be something that the person enjoys doing."

What food to focus on and what to limit.

Dietary advice around diabetes can feel confusing, but Professor Ekinci kept it grounded.

"Some of the essential things to think about include fresh foods," she said. "Particularly, lots of vegetables that are dark in colour, like green vegetables."

She recommended whole grains, nuts, dairy, fish and poultry over red meat, and limiting highly processed foods.

"There are lots of studies showing that processed and ultra-processed foods are associated with chronic diseases like diabetes," Professor Ekinci said.

"Juice in particular can be problematic, because if it's not utilised as glucose immediately, it can get stored as fat and also spike the glucose levels in the blood."

Alcohol intake should also be limited.

New advances in treatment.

Type 2 diabetes research is moving quickly, and Professor Ekinci described it as "a really active space."

"There are a lot of great things that are new and therapeutics that are being developed," she said, explaining that these advances encompass everything from medication to new devices and other technologies.

"Things like continuous glucose monitoring, which are devices people can wear, are very helpful because they can measure and detect glucose levels throughout the day. They don't need finger pricks, which can be painful and time consuming."

Image: Canva.

One area of emerging interest is the role of the upper small intestine, the duodenum, in blood glucose regulation.

"Clinical studies have identified a signalling role of the cells in the upper part of the small intestine," Professor Ekinci explained. "That bit actually connects the stomach to the small intestine."

In people with type 2 diabetes, this area "tends to be inflamed" and "denser than in people without diabetes."

The ReCET Clinical Study is evaluating a non-surgical, same-day endoscopic procedure, that may help people with type 2 Diabetes improve their blood sugar levels.

During the procedure, which lasts around 60 minutes, electrical pulses are delivered to the duodenum to eliminate poorly functioning cells.

Early results are promising, though it remains a clinical trial.

"This is a clinical trial, so it's not an approved therapy," Professor Ekinci said. "So far, the results look quite promising, but still, we need to do some work."

You may be able to take part in the ReCET Clinical Study if you:

• Are aged 22–70

• Have had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for at least six months

• Are not using insulin

• Are currently taking blood sugar–lowering medications.

What often surprises people once diabetes is better managed.

Many people expect management to feel restrictive, but Professor Ekinci said patients are often surprised by how much better they feel.

"Often people find that they have more energy," she said. "They just feel better in general."

Improved sleep is another common change.

"For example, they're not getting up in the middle of the night so many times to go to the toilet to pass urine because of high glucose levels," she explained.

These improvements don't happen overnight, though.

"It takes around three to six months, probably, to feel that improvement as blood glucose levels are coming down," Professor Ekinci said.

The most important thing, while navigating the early days of a diagnosis, is to be kind to oneself.

"It is a lot to take on for a person, understandably," Professor Ekinci said.

"But I think it's important not to lose hope. In some cases, diabetes remission is possible in 10 to 15 per cent of cases, especially early on in the disease.

"There's a lot of hope now."

Are you living with Type 2 Diabetes? Find here if the ReCET Study might be right for you.

Feature image: Canva.

The ReCET Clinical Study is evaluating a non-surgical, same-day endoscopic procedure, that may help people with type 2 Diabetes improve their blood sugar levels.




During the procedure, which lasts around 60 minutes, electrical pulses are delivered to the duodenum to eliminate poorly functioning cells.




You may be able to take part in the ReCET Clinical Study if you:




● Are aged 22 – 70
● Have had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for at least six months
● Are not using insulin
● Are currently taking blood sugar-lowering medications.