Diabetes in Indigenous Australians

[8] Fully utilising the resources at their disposal, the diet of the early Aboriginal people was predominantly made up of land animals, fish and shellfish, as well as birds and plant foods.

Post-colonisation, the Aboriginal people experienced excessive disruptions to their socioeconomic circumstances, leading to a rapid decline in their health status.

[9] Over time, this has seen the introduction of sugar and refined foods into the diet of Aboriginal Australians, initially to sever existing connections to the land.

[13] Health inequalities in society and lack of education can also contribute to the higher diagnosis of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Australian Aboriginal people are said to be lacking in diabetes education, including proper monitoring of glucose levels,[13] making them more susceptible to diabetes-related problems.

[14] Those with high blood pressure, a poor diet, insufficient physical activity, obesity, and in the case of Aboriginal Australians, age higher than 35, are more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes.

[10] Increased occurrence of renal complications among Aboriginal people is attributed to environmental and genetic factors,[17] as well as poor monitoring of glucose levels.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal Australians can lead to retinopathy, whereby blood vessels in the eye are damaged[21] as a direct result of this condition.

[22] Health issues affecting Aboriginal Australians, including the incidence of type 2 diabetes, are often attributed to disparities in socioeconomic status.

[22] Improvements in the socioeconomic status of Aboriginal Australians and decreases in health inequities are instrumental if the incidence of diabetes and associated conditions are to be reduced.

Promotion of healthy eating and physical activity, smoking cessation and the safe consumption of alcohol[23] are also vital to reduce and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Approximately 18% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over the age of 25 report having diabetes or high blood sugar levels.