Review of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Abstract

Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease condition globally. Type 2 diabetes in particular, has reached epidemic proportions, with the greatest burden falling on socially disadvantaged groups and Indigenous peoples. This review focuses primarily on type 2 diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which is responsible for the majority of cases of diabetes in this population. It provides general information on the social and cultural context of diabetes, and the behavioural and biomedical factors that contribute to diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review provides detailed information on: the extent of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including incidence and prevalence data; hospitalisations; mortality and burden of disease the prevention and management of diabetes relevant programs, services, policies and strategies that address the health issue of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people two special population groups: adolescents pregnant and post-partum women. This review concludes by suggesting possible future directions for combatting the growing epidemic of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review is part of a suite of knowledge exchange products that includes a summary, a video, and a fact sheet.