One in 15 Australian adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, up from one in 20 a decade ago, according to data released this month by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The report has detailed how gender, economic status and vitamin D deficiency can all impact an individual’s likelihood of living with the disease.
About 6.6 per cent of adults now live with diagnosed diabetes, with the rates higher among men and people living in lower socio-economic areas, the ABS has shown.
The survey also found that 8.5 per cent of adult males have been diagnosed with diabetes, compared to 4.7 per cent of females.
University of Wollongong (UOW) School of Medicine Lecturer, Monique Francois said health literacy, how well people understand and manage their own health, is a likely contributor to the rise in numbers.
“It could be things like alcohol, it could be more processed foods, it could be less physical activity. It could be a number of things, but probably mainly just not really taking control of their health,” Ms Francois said.
The data has shown that economic disadvantage is also closely tied to higher diabetes rates, with people living in areas of lower socio-economic status more likely to experience multiple chronic conditions, including diabetes.
“Socio-economic factors are a big one, especially with the increased cost of living and cost of healthy food,” Ms Francois said.
“A lot of us know what we’re supposed to eat, but we also know what kind of foods we can afford.
“Quite often, a lot of the foods that are cheaper can contribute to diabetes, like highly processed foods. Carbohydrate based foods are often a lot cheaper than high protein foods.”
Financial barriers to healthy foods, less opportunities for physical activity and lower access to healthcare is higher in developing nations all contribute to a higher prevalence of diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes has been a big factor in Rachael Carr’s life for four years and she said she had experienced many symptoms before being diagnosed.
“In the beginning, I got shakes, dizziness and I got tired without taking medication. I would need a daily nap to function,” she said.
“My eyes have also been affected and I now require glasses. I get blurred vision often.”
Ms Carr is one of more than 1.3 million Australians now diagnosed with disease. Prevention, early detection, and education are key steps in addressing what continues to be one of the country’s fastest-growing chronic health issues.
Additional Reporting: Anna Wright