And while 1.2 million Australians are known to have diabetes, it is estimated that another 500,000 could be living with type 2 diabetes and not know it.

During National Diabetes Week (July 9 to 14), Diabetes Australia has launched a new campaign – It’s About Time – to raise awareness of the seriousness of type 2 diabetes and urge people to get checked.

Diabetes Australia CEO, Professor Greg Johnson said there was great concern about the length of time people have been going undiagnosed.

“Many people have type 2 diabetes for up to seven years before being diagnosed and during that time up to half begin to develop a diabetes-related complication,” Professor Johnson said.

“The tragedy is that much of the damage to the body that causes diabetes-related complications like vision loss, kidney damage, heart attack, stroke and limb amputation is preventable.”

In the Cessnock local government area, 3548 residents are registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (representing 6.1 percent of the LGA’s population – 0.7 above the national average).

Of those 3548 people, 3068 (or 86.5 percent) have type 2 diabetes; 391 have type 1, 75 have gestational diabetes and 15 have other types of diabetes.

Greta-based credentialled diabetes educator Deborah Sullivan says it’s important for people to seek help sooner rather than later.

“Many people are diagnosed with diabetes later than they should be,” she said.

“Screening is incredibly easy, yet so many of us don’t do it.

“It’s not as scary to treat as it used to be.”

Type 2 diabetes can be managed through diet, exercise and medication. Credentialled diabetes educators can help with treatment plans, including advice on nutrition and medication.

Ms Sullivan encourages local residents to use the Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool (AUSDRISK) online screening tool and see their doctor if they have a high score.

“The screening tool starts the conversation,” she said.

“It’s incredibly important to assess your risk.”

The AUSDRISK check can be completed at diabetesaustralia.com.au/risk-calculator.