Indicator 5.17 Health actions taken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes

Considerations

  • These estimates are based on relatively small numbers and are associated with large sampling error.
  • Due to small numbers, age-standardised proportions were not derived.

Blood glucose checked in the previous 12 months

In 2018–19, around 92% of Indigenous Australians aged 15 and over with diabetes or high sugar levels reported that they had their blood glucose levels checked in the previous 12 months, based on self-reported data from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey. The crude proportion remained relatively similar between 2012–13 and 2018–19, (95% compared with 92%) (Figure 5.17.1). 

Currently using insulin

In 2018–19, 26% of Indigenous Australians aged 15 and over with diabetes or high sugar levels were currently using insulin. The proportion was similar in males and females (25% and 26%, respectively). The crude proportion in 2018–19 was similar to that reported in 2012–13 (26% and 29%, respectively) (Figure  5.17.1).

Feet checked in previous 12 months

Around 3 in 4 (75%) Indigenous Australians aged 15 and over living with diabetes or high sugar levels, reported that they had their feet checked in the previous 12 months in 2018–19. The crude proportion increased slightly from 69% in 2012–13 to 75% in 2018–19 (Figure 5.17.1).

HbA1c test in the previous 12 months

In 2018–19, around 73% of Indigenous Australians living with diabetes or high sugar levels reported that they had an HbA1c test in the previous 12 months. The crude proportion increased slightly from 68% in 2012–13 to 73% in 2018–19 (Figure 5.17.1).

Taken medication for diabetes in the last 2 weeks

In 2018–19, it was estimated that 67% of Indigenous Australians living with diabetes or high sugar levels reported that they had taken medicine in the last 2 weeks. The crude proportion remained relatively similar between 2012–13 and 2018–19 (66% compared with 67%) (Figure 5.17.1).

About the data

Results presented for this indicator include health actions taken by people with diabetes or high sugar levels. Due to small numbers, age-standardised proportions were not derived.

Explore the data

5.17 Health actions taken by Indigenous Australians with diabetes, by age group and sex, 2012–13 and 2018–19 and by selected population group, 2018–19

Trends figure 5.17.1 shows a range of health actions taken by Indigenous Australians with diabetes in 2012–13 compared with 2018–19. Overall, those having their blood glucose checked in the previous 12 months dropped slightly from 95% to 92%. Proportions were similar among males and females and the overall change was largely due to decreases among those aged 45–54 and 55–64.

The percentage of those with diabetes currently using insulin dropped overall between 2012–13 and 2018–19 from 29% to 26% with a similar pattern among males and females. The overall change was largely due to decreases among those aged 45–54 and 55–64.   

The percentage of Indigenous Australians with diabetes reporting having their feet checked in the previous 12 months increased from 69% in 2012–13 to 75% in 2018–19. This change was largely due to increases among those aged 15–44 and 45–54.

The percentage of Indigenous Australians with diabetes reporting having their HbA1c checked in the previous 12 months increased slightly from 68% to 73% with a similar pattern among males and females. This change was driven by increases in those aged 15 to 54 years.

The percentage of Indigenous Australians with diabetes who reported taking medication for diabetes in the last 2 weeks was steady overall between 2012–13 and 2018–19 though increased among males from 46% to 68%.

Population group figure 5.17.2 shows only slight fluctuations were reported for each health action across the population groups, however due to small numbers, age-standardised proportions were not derived, making comparison difficult.

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Indicator 5.17 data specifications

 

Definition

Data source

Numerator

Estimated number of Indigenous Australians (15+ years) with self-reported diabetes or high sugar levels who reported taking health actions to manage their condition.

Included people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and type unknown diabetes.

ABS 2019; ABS 2015

Denominator

Estimated Australian Indigenous population (15+ years) with self-reported diabetes or high sugar levels.

Included people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and type unknown diabetes.

ABS 2019; ABS 2015

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2015. Microdata: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, Core Content - Risk Factors and Selected Health Conditions, 2012–13. ABS cat. no. 4715.0.30.003. Findings based on Detailed Microdata analysis. Canberra: ABS.

ABS 2019. Microdata: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Australia, 2018–19. ABS cat. no. 4715.0.55.001. Findings based on Detailed Microdata analysis. Canberra: ABS.