Type 2 diabetes happens when the pancreas either cannot make any or enough of the hormone insulin, and/or the insulin it makes does not work very well. This results in too much glucose in the bloodstream.
Difference between type 2 and type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is not caused by an autoimmune response, the body does not attack itself. People with type 2 diabetes still have beta cells in the pancreas that make and release the hormone insulin.
Learn the basics about what type 2 diabetes is in this short video.
Who can get type 2 diabetes
While type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in people aged over 40 years, it is becoming more common in younger people, including school students. It is no one’s fault if a person has type 2 diabetes. Factors that increase someone’s risk of developing it include:
- having a family history of type 2 diabetes
- being from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background
- ethnicity including being from a Melanesian, Polynesian, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern or Indian background
- being above a healthy weight range
- having an inactive lifestyle.
Managing type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes may initially be managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity. It is a progressive condition, and over time, people with type 2 diabetes may also need glucose-lowering medicines such as tablets or injectable medications to manage their diabetes. Some people will need insulin injections to help keep their glucose levels in their target range. A person with type 2 diabetes who uses insulin still has type 2 diabetes, it does not mean they now have type 1 diabetes.
Students with type 2 diabetes may need support from school staff to manage their diabetes at school. This may include support with glucose monitoring and administering insulin.
Reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments are measures or actions that schools make to support a student with managing their type 2 diabetes so they can fully participate in school life. Examples of reasonable adjustments may include:
- monitoring glucose levels anywhere at anytime
- allowing food and drink to be consumed in class to manage a low or high glucose level
- making sure diabetes equipment, supplies and hypo kits are always accessible
- providing access to drinking water and bathroom facilities
- supervising or administering insulin dose (if required).
Last updated: September 2025