National Diabetes Week runs from 13–19 July 2025, and is a timely reminder for Australian men to get serious about understanding, checking, and managing their blood glucose levels.
While the official 2025 theme is yet to be announced, the message remains clear: men are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and too many are unaware they’re living with it. Diabetes Australia calls it the “silent pandemic” because symptoms can go unnoticed until serious health issues arise.
The Numbers Every Man Should Know
- One million Australian men are currently living with diabetes.
- Men are 50% more likely than women to die from the disease.
- 3 in 10 men with diabetes don’t know they have it.
- Yet, 3 in 5 cases of Type 2 diabetes are preventable.
Diabetes is now the 7th leading cause of death by disease in Australia. According to Diabetes Australia, it is the biggest challenge facing the health system in the 21st century.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or when the insulin your body makes doesn’t work effectively. It’s often linked to lifestyle factors like inactivity, poor diet, and being overweight - areas where men can take positive action.
The complications are serious and often life-altering:
- Vision loss and blindness
- Lower-limb amputations from foot ulcers and wounds
- Heart disease and kidney failure
Diabetes is also the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia, spreading faster than heart disease and cancer. While Type 1 diabetes (which is not preventable) accounts for around 10% of all cases, Type 2 diabetes makes up 85% - and it's increasing.
Know Your Risk, Take the Test
As part of the Know Your Man Facts campaign, men are encouraged to use the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool, a quick online questionnaire that helps you identify risk factors and take action before problems begin.
Managing Diabetes with Smarter Tools
For those already living with diabetes - or wanting to monitor their blood sugar levels - digital support is improving. Diabetes Australia has highlighted 10 recommended apps to help with carb counting and glucose tracking. These tools offer:
- Real-time data
- Personalised feedback
- Integration with wearables and glucose meters
Dietitian Rebecca McPhee says the rise of these apps marks a new era of proactive diabetes management, making it easier for men to stay on top of their health.
This National Diabetes Week, make it your mission to check in on your blood glucose health. Whether it’s taking the risk assessment, booking a check-up, or downloading a health app - small actions now can prevent bigger problems later.
Stay updated on the 2025 theme and campaign materials at:
diabetesaustralia.com.au/national-diabetes-week