What to do after a pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes diagnosis

Published March 2026 | 5 min read
Expert contributor: Minke Hoekstra, accredited practising dietitian, Diabetes Australia
Words by Trudie McConnochie

Confused about a pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes diagnosis? Here are the steps to follow to help you stay well.

Every 8 minutes, an Australian will be given news they don’t want to hear – a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

More than 1.3 million Aussies are living with type 2 diabetes. A further 2 million have pre-diabetes – a condition where you have higher-than-normal blood glucose levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Getting a diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming, but there’s lots of support available to help you adapt your lifestyle.

“With the right support, whether you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing it for some time, you can live well with the condition,” says Minke Hoekstra, accredited practising dietitian at Diabetes Australia.

Minke suggests taking these steps after a diabetes diagnosis.

Assemble your care team

Like any chronic condition, diabetes requires regular check-ins with healthcare professionals to monitor your health. Your healthcare team could include a GP, endocrinologist, exercise physiologist, accredited practising dietitian and credentialled diabetes educator.

“There’s no one rule for people living with type 2 diabetes,” Minke says. “Your healthcare team will advise you on your target blood glucose range, provide advice on how to maintain it, and let you know about the lifestyle changes you can make to live well and avoid complications.”

Your healthcare team will help you create an ‘annual cycle of care’ – a checklist to help you reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. “It will include blood glucose monitoring, HbA1c [average blood glucose levels over several months], blood pressure and cholesterol checks, as well as eye health, foot care and kidney health.”

Blood glucose monitoring: the basics

As well as setting target blood glucose levels, your healthcare team will help you decide when and how often to test. Typically, blood glucose levels are checked:

• first thing in the morning
• before and after eating
• overnight
• before driving
• before and after physical activity
• when you have a ‘hypo’ (your blood glucose drops below a certain level)
• when you’re unwell.

Your team will also help you choose the best way to monitor your blood glucose levels. Your two options are:

• Blood glucose meter: A finger-pricking device takes a small drop of blood, which is placed on special monitoring strips to show results.
• Continuous glucose monitoring: A replaceable sensor on the skin attached to a transmitter device detects glucose levels just underneath the skin and sends results to a phone app, receiver or insulin pump.

How to manage type 2 diabetes in everyday life

Lifestyle changes can help you manage type 2 diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, these changes can help reduce your chances of it developing into type 2 diabetes. To help keep your diabetes in check, lifestyle changes include:

• eating a healthy diet
• exercising regularly
• losing weight (if overweight)
• quitting smoking
• cutting back on alcohol
• monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol (for pre-diabetes).

Eligible members can access a range of preventive and management programs^* including a free HCF Heart and Diabetes Health Check, delivered by Victor Chang^{^} and phone-coaching support through The COACH Program^®+. Your membership may also get you free or discounted access to weight management programs like the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet^#. You may also be able to claim back the costs of exercise classes and gym memberships if your doctor has you on a Health Management Plan^**.

Curious about how to navigate your diabetes diagnosis in your daily life? From work and social situations to travel and sick days, these tips from Minke could help.

Managing type 2 diabetes at work

• If possible, take regular meal breaks or have snacks on hand.
• Set reminders for glucose monitoring and checking levels before beginning a lengthy task.
• Have a hypo kit at your workplace that includes fast-acting carbohydrates like jellybeans and slow-acting carbohydrates like muesli bars.
• Let your manager and colleagues know the signs of a hypo and who to call if that happens.

Healthy eating-out tips for type 2 diabetes

• Avoid anything creamy, battered, crispy or fried, and limit creamy curries.
• Keep salty foods to a minimum.
• Ask for salad dressings and sauces to be served on the side so you can control portion size.
• Avoid alcoholic or sugary drinks.
• If you feel like dessert, share it with someone, or choose fresh fruit (if available).

Good restaurant menu choices for people living with diabetes include:

• grilled, stir-fried, braised or barbecued fish, meat or poultry
• vegetarian dishes
• salads
• lean cuts of meat, seafood or skinless chicken.

Managing type 2 diabetes when travelling

• To help you go through customs and airport security screening, Diabetes Australia recommends carrying several copies of a letter from your doctor that explains your medications and devices.
• If you’re changing time zones, ask your healthcare team whether you need to adjust your medications and blood glucose monitoring.
• If you’re flying overseas or interstate, check with the airline whether you can use your blood glucose monitoring inflight.
• Pack your medication and testing equipment in carry-on luggage and check the airline’s security regulations.
• Stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol and walk up and down the plane aisle regularly to help with circulation.

Managing type 2 diabetes when you’re sick

Common illnesses and infections like colds can affect blood glucose levels and make it more difficult to manage your diabetes, so it’s a good idea to have a sick day management plan. This might include:

• increased checking of your blood glucose levels
• increasing your insulin if necessary
• staying hydrated
• eating as normally as possible to keep your blood glucose levels within the recommended range.

Supporting yourself mentally – and when to get help

Managing diabetes can take a toll emotionally, says Minke, so it’s important to look after your mental health. “It’s not unusual to feel exhausted, frustrated or just over it at times,” she says. “You need to look after both your physical and mental health to be motivated to plan your management.”

Having the right support can make a big difference, she adds. “Building a community of support around you with people with lived experience and diabetes professionals is the best way to thrive post-diagnosis.”

Diabetes YOUnited is a free initiative from Diabetes Australia that helps you connect to local support services.

Eligible HCF members^* can access the Cardihab trial, a digital, home-based cardiac prevention program that helps you manage your health when you’re at risk of heart disease or heart conditions. This TGA-approved model includes an app that tracks your lifestyle behaviours, goals like daily exercise, medication intake, dietary and water intake, and is accessed by your HCF health coach who’ll provide ongoing personalised support and education to reduce your risks. Plus, eligible members can access a free annual HealthyMinds Check-in⁺⁺: a one-on-one chat with a registered psychologist from the comfort and privacy of your home.

If you’re having trouble managing your diabetes, always reach out to your healthcare team. Also, ask them to point out any signs that mean it’s time to see your GP or get to hospital.

Get support to manage your diabetes diagnosis

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your new diabetes plan, personalised support can make the next steps clearer and easier. The COACH Program^® is a four- to six-month phone-coaching support program provided at no extra cost for eligible members⁺ with heart conditions or diabetes that can help improve your health. Get started and register your interest here.