Health Priorities in Australia – Diabetes

Dear Cabinet,
As the Federal Government Health Minister, it is my responsibility to keep you informed on the health matters
that impact our nation. The following report contains information concerning diabetes, along with the most
up-to-date statistics which make it evident as to why diabetes is a priority health issue in Australia. Through
analysis of epidemiologic data, the health status of Australians, and the relevant determinants of health, the
risk of developing diabetes among various groups can be identified.

The Nature of the Problem

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a health problem that occurs when the body is unable to effectively regulate
blood sugar (glucose) levels. This happens either when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin (a
chemical that enables glucose to pass into the body’s cells), or if the body has become resistant to the effects
of insulin. There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body produces little or no insulin. Although the exact
cause is unknown, this type of diabetes is commonly thought to be caused by a combination of genetic
predisposition and other environmental factors (e.g., hygiene, pollutants). It typically develops throughout
adolescence, and it is not preventable, however, it can be treated by injecting an artificial supply of insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is more common and occurs when the pancreas is still able to produce insulin, but either in
insufficient amounts, or the insulin produced is ineffective. This type is closely linked to lifestyle factors, such
as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and smoking. It is known that excess weight plays a pivotal role in the
development of type 2 diabetes as it places greater strain on the production of insulin.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is related to type 2 diabetes, as
many women who suffer gestational diabetes get diagnosed with type 2 after birth.

Common symptoms of all types of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst • Hunger • Blurred vision • Dry skin
• Frequent urination • Fatigue • Weight loss • Dizziness

The Extent of the Problem

The extent of the problem of diabetes in Australia can be illustrated through various statistics, trends, and
graphs:

Figure 1: Prevalence of all types of diabetes, 2000-2021 Figure 2: Prevalence of diabetes, by age and sex, 2021

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 • Figure 1 shows that the prevalence of diabetes has increased since 2000, however, since around 2015
the proportion of Australians with diabetes is steadily decreasing.
• Figure 1 also shows how the prevalence of diabetes is higher within males compared to females
• Figure 2 shows the trend that diabetes is significantly more prevalent in older ager groups. This is most
likely due to the fact that insulin resistance increases with age
• More than 1.3 million Australians (around 5%) suffer diabetes, as of 2021
• The incidence of diabetes was 49,900 new individuals diagnosed in 2021
• Diabetes was among the top 10 leading causes of mortality in Australians in 2021, contributing to
approximately 19,300 deaths
• Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of all diabetes, and type 2 accounts for 85%
• Gestational diabetes affects roughly one in six pregnancies

The trends within diabetes identified above show the extent of diabetes and make it evident as to why
diabetes is a priority health issue in Australia.

Risk Factors and Protective Factors

The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include, but are not limited to: a family history of diabetes, physical
inactivity, over 45 years-old and overweight, over 35 years-old and in a group at risk (e.g., ATSI), smoking,
gestational diabetes, prediabetes, and hypertension.
The protective factors for type 2 diabetes include, but are not limited to: regular physical activity, well
balanced and nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking,
breastfeeding, and managing blood pressure.
There are no modifiable risk or protective factors for type 1 diabetes, however, maintaining a healthy lifestyle
is vital in managing the condition and its impacts.

Sociocultural, Socioeconomic and Environmental Determinants

Sociocultural determinants: Individuals of Chinese, Indian, Pacific Island or Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Island (ATSI) background have increased risk, along with families and cultures that generally have poor diets.
The media has an influence on diabetes too, as individuals may develop addictions to particular games or
shows, thus leading to sedentary lifestyles, which contributes to an increased risk of diabetes.
Socioeconomic determinants: Australians of a low socioeconomic status have higher rates of alcohol
consumption and generally consume diets high in fat and sugar, therefore leading to a higher risk of diabetes.
Environmental determinants: Individuals who live in remote areas have reduced access to healthcare, and
often can’t maintain a healthy diet due to isolation. Greater access to technology also contributes to
increased physical inactivity, leading to obesity, which ultimately increases the risk of diabetes.
Figure 3 shows how people who live in remote areas experience a higher prevalence of diabetes, and how
individuals of a low socioeconomic status are at greater risk of developing diabetes

Groups at Risk

The main groups at risk of developing diabetes are:

• Women who had gestational diabetes

• People who have prediabetes
• People aged over 45 years-old
• Overweight individuals
• Individuals with a Pacific Island, ATSI,
Indian or Chinese background
• People of a low socioeconomic status

Figure 3: Prevalence of type 2 diabetes, by

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population group and sex, 2021
Bibliography

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diabetes
Jackson, D. (2016, February 18). Diabetes. HSC PDHPE. Retrieved November 01, 2023 from
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