03/03/2026
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) affects over 145,000 Australians as of early 2026 — accounting for around 10% of all diabetes cases nationwide.
It’s one of the most common chronic illnesses in children and young people, with approximately 3,000 new diagnoses each year.
Unlike type 2 diabetes, T1D is an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, meaning people living with T1D require lifelong insulin therapy to survive.
Behind every statistic is a child learning to count carbs, a teenager navigating school camps and sport with blood glucose checks, and families managing the daily balancing act of insulin, food, activity and emotions.
Awareness matters.
Support matters.
Access to education and technology matters.
If you or someone you love is living with T1D, know that you’re not alone — and with the right support, people with type 1 diabetes can live full, active and healthy lives.