Indicators for the Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2016–2020: data update

Indicator 3.6 Prevalence of vision loss caused by diabetes

Overview

Based on data from the 2017–18 ABS National Health Survey, it was estimated that 7.7% or 89,500 adults with self-reported diabetes had vision loss due to their diabetes (self-reported sight condition caused by diabetes).

Trends

There were no significant differences in the unadjusted prevalence of vision loss due to diabetes between 2001 (14.5%) and 2017–18 (7.7%) (Figure 3.6.1).

Age and sex

The prevalence of vision loss caused by diabetes was similar among men and women and across the age groups (Figure 3.6.1).

Population groups

The proportions for both remoteness and socioeconomic areas have a high margin of error and should be used with caution (Figure 3.6.2).

State and territory

The prevalence of vision loss due to diabetes in 2017–18 varied across the states and territories from 5.7% in Victoria to 11.9% in South Australia (Figure 3.6.2).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

In 2018–19, an estimated 17.7% of Indigenous Australians with self-reported diabetes had vision loss as a result of the disease in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS). Based on estimates from the 2017–18 NHS, 7.6% of non-Indigenous Australians have vision loss due to their diabetes (Figure 3.6.2).

Explore the data

3.6 Prevalence of vision loss caused by diabetes among people aged 18+, by age group and sex, 2007–08 to 2017–18 and by selected population group, 2017–18