Diabetes among aboriginal people in central Australia: a high prevalence based on health service attendance

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in Aboriginal people living in central Australia (population, 9983) was determined by collating data from the hospital, rural and urban health services, nursing homes and death registers. A total of 98 male and 183 female Aboriginal residents with diabetes attended health services in central Australia between January 1984 and December 1986. The point prevalence of diagnosed diabetes at the end of 1986 in the age group 25-34 years was 1.6% in men and 3.1% in women, and in those over 35 years, 8.8% and 14.1%, respectively. The true prevalence of diabetes (diagnosed and undetected) is likely to be at least twice this rate, and constitutes a major public health problem in central Australia. Diabetes and other disorders such as obesity, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease have common antecedents and outcomes. The control of these non-communicable diseases requires integrated and culturally appropriate educational, social and medical strategies.