The rate of type 2 diabetes among Australian adults has been on a downward trajectory since 2010; however, this trend does not extend to all demographics. Particularly concerning is the rise in diabetes incidence among Australians of Asian, North American, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander descent.
A recent study published in the Medical Journal of Australia reveals that while the overall incidence of type 2 diabetes has declined between 2010 and 2019 for various age groups, genders, socio-economic statuses, and geographical locations, specific ethnic groups have experienced an upward trend in diabetes cases.
Professor Dianna Magliano, head of the Diabetes and Population Health Lab at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the paper’s lead author, emphasized the need for tailored diabetes prevention strategies. “Although we are witnessing a significant reduction in the overall incidence of type 2 diabetes across Australia, the statistics show alarming disparities among different cohorts,” she stated. “As of 2023, over 30% of Australians were born overseas, highlighting the necessity for multifaceted prevention strategies that address the varying risk levels among culturally and linguistically diverse populations.”
Professor Magliano noted that the overall decline in type 2 diabetes incidence in Australia mirrors trends seen in other high-income countries. The increase in diabetes cases among individuals born in Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands aligns with rising prevalence rates in those regions.
Several factors may contribute to the positive trend observed in Australia. “First, effective diabetes prevention initiatives in the country may have led to behavioral and environmental shifts that have positively impacted diagnosed diabetes rates,” she explained. “For example, there has been a reported decrease in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.”
Additionally, she suggested that the transition from oral glucose tolerance testing to the use of HbA1c testing for diabetes screening might also play a role in the decline in overall incidence.
In summary, while Australia shows promise in reducing type 2 diabetes rates, targeted efforts are essential to address the increasing prevalence in specific immigrant populations.
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