Diabetes In Indigenous Australians

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This is an article review of the population issue of diabetes in Indigenous Australians. Indigenous Australians currently have poorer quality of health and wellbeing than non-Indigenous Australians referred to as “The Gap”. Currently diabetes significantly contributes to “The Gap”. The following articles focus on how the frequency and type of diabetic care, socio-economic factors, as well as the prevalence of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy impacts the health of Indigenous Australians.
Article 1: Thomas, M., Weekes, A. and Thomas, M. (2007). The management of diabetes in Indigenous Australians from primary care. BMC Public Health, 7(1), p.303.
In the article “The management of diabetes in Indigenous Australians from primary care” the authors
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The aim of this study was to examine and compare socio-economic gradients in diabetes among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The research had a sample of 5, 417 Indigenous Australians and 15, 432 non-Indigenous Australian adults aged 18-64 years. Statistical data of socio-economic status (SES) measures was generated from two national surveys including area of residence, education, employment status, housing tenture and income. The study found that socio-economic status can explain the difference in diabetes prevalence between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians partially. This study could be of used for public health researchers and policy makers to gain a greater understanding of the social determinants of diabetes in Indigenous Australians and to prevent diabetes in Indigenous Australians with preventative diabetes programs improve Indigenous health. As a future nutritionist it is important to be aware of how socio-economic status can impact the diet and health of clients such as Indigenous Australians with …show more content…
The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Indigenous Australians younger than 40 years of age. The sample of 1,189 Indigenous adults younger than 40 years of age participated in a questionnaire, reporting their health, health service utilisation and demographics. They also had comprehensive eye examinations to classify their severity of diabetic retinopathy. The results found there was greater than eight times more diabetic Indigenous than non-Indigenous Australian whilst the prevalence rate of diabetic retinopathy in non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians was similar. Government policy makers can use this information to support Indigenous Australians to get regular retinopathy screening. This can prevent or detect diabetic retinopathy and reduce the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Indigenous Australians. As a future nutritionist understanding the prevalence of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Indigenous Australians would be useful when educating patient groups the impact of nutrition on diabetes and diabetic