Diabetes in Indigenous Australians facts for kids
Diabetes is a health condition where your body has trouble controlling the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. This sugar comes from the food you eat and is important for energy. But too much sugar in your blood can cause serious health problems.
There are different types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a condition you are born with. Your body's immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, a hormone that helps sugar get into your cells. Type 2 diabetes is different. It often develops later in life and is linked to lifestyle choices. Your body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. This is called insulin resistance.
In Australia, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are affected by type 2 diabetes. About 1 in 20 Australians have diabetes. But Aboriginal people are three times more likely to get it compared to non-Aboriginal people. This condition can lead to other serious health issues like heart disease and kidney failure. Sadly, this health difference contributes to a 17-year gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
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A Look Back: How Things Changed
The history of Aboriginal Australians goes back about 60,000 years before Europeans arrived. When Europeans first explored Australia, they saw Aboriginal people living as hunter-gatherers. This meant they found and gathered their food from nature. Their diet was very healthy. It included animals, fish, shellfish, birds, and many plant foods.
After European settlement, life changed a lot for Aboriginal people. They were often forced to live differently and adopt European ways. This meant giving up their traditional healthy diets. Sugar and processed foods became common. Over time, sugar even became part of some cultural traditions. This big change in diet made Aboriginal people more likely to develop conditions like diabetes.
Why Diabetes Became More Common
European Ways and Food
The rise of type 2 diabetes and related health issues is often linked to European influences. When Europeans arrived, sugar and refined foods were introduced. These foods were sometimes used to change Aboriginal people's traditional connection to the land. As a result, many Aboriginal communities started eating less nutritious food. This laid the groundwork for diabetes to become a widespread problem.
Living Far Away
Many Aboriginal communities live in remote areas. This can make it hard to get fresh, healthy foods. Often, processed foods become the main choice because they are easier to access. Also, some Aboriginal people face poverty. This means they might not have enough money for expensive healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Instead, they might buy cheaper, filling foods that are high in fats and sugar. This link between wealth, food choices, and health problems is a big reason why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 2 to 4 times more likely to have diabetes.
Health Care Differences
Differences in health care and education can also play a role. Some communities might not have enough information about diabetes. This can make it harder for people to make healthy choices or manage their condition.
Not Using Traditional Foods
Before European settlement, Aboriginal people ate "bush tucker." These traditional foods were naturally low in sugar and very healthy. But now, even in remote areas, many people rely on Western diets. This means they are not using the healthy traditional foods that are available. Without enough education about diabetes and how to check blood sugar levels, people are more likely to have problems related to the condition.
Birth Weight
Aboriginal babies sometimes have lower birth weights than average. This can also increase their risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Lifestyle Choices
Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle. This includes things like being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, eating an unhealthy diet, and not getting enough physical activity. For Aboriginal Australians, being over 35 also increases the risk. While genes can play a part, lifestyle choices are very important in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes During Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy. It is quite common among Aboriginal Australian women. This condition can affect both the mother and the baby.
Health Problems from Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition. It is often linked to obesity and can lead to other preventable diseases. These include problems with the heart and kidneys. Diabetes is a major reason why many Aboriginal Australians die too young.
Kidney problems are more common among Aboriginal people with diabetes. This can be due to environmental and genetic factors. Not checking blood sugar levels regularly also plays a part. Low birth weight, past infections, and obesity can all lead to chronic kidney disease and even kidney failure. Aboriginal Australians are 8 times more likely to experience kidney failure than non-Aboriginal Australians.
Cardiovascular disease (heart disease) is the biggest reason for the difference in life expectancy. Being overweight, especially around the waist, is a major risk factor. Other things that increase risk include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and not being active. All these factors contribute to diabetes and, in turn, heart disease. Also, gestational diabetes can cause problems for both pregnant women and their babies.
Diabetes can also damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called retinopathy. Nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, is also common. This can cause chronic foot problems and, in some cases, even lead to amputations.
How to Prevent Diabetes
Health issues like type 2 diabetes are often connected to differences in social and economic situations. The more disadvantage a community faces, the higher the rates of diabetes. So, improving social and economic conditions is very important to reduce diabetes and related health problems.
Finding diabetes early through screenings and check-ups is key. Regular weight checks are also important. Promoting healthy eating, regular physical activity, and safe alcohol consumption can help prevent type 2 diabetes. The Australian government has programs like the National Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. However, these programs need to be supported by better job and education opportunities for Aboriginal Australians. Health programs should also be designed to fit their holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
Diabetes in Numbers
- In 2011–2012, about 1 in 20 Australian adults had diabetes.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 2 to 4 times more likely to have diabetes than other groups.
- Evidence of diabetes can be seen in Aboriginal people as young as 25 years old.
- Around 18% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 25 reported having diabetes or high blood sugar.
- This rate goes from 5% for those aged 25 to 39% for those aged 55 and over.
- In 2012–2013, about 8% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders said they had diabetes.
- More females (10%) reported having diabetes than males (7%).
