1989-90 NATIONAL-HEALTH SURVEY - PREVALENCE OF SELF-REPORTED DIABETESIN AUSTRALIA

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported diabetes in a representative population sample in Australia; to identify major diffe rences in prevalence by State and Territory and by geographic origin; and to compare trends in prevalence over time. Design and setting: Ana lysis of data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in the 1989-90 National Health Survey. The sampling frame (22202 households a nd 54241 people) ensured adequate representation for each State and Te rritory in Australia. Results: Prevalence of self-reported diabetes/hi gh blood sugar levels were 1.9% for males and 2.0% for females over al l ages; 3.1% for men and 2.9 for women aged over 25 years; and 8.1% fo r men and 6.9% for women aged over 65 years. Interstate differences of borderline significance were found and will require validation in lar ger samples. Age-standardised prevalences were higher in subjects born in Southern Europe and lower in those born in Western Europe compared with Australian-born subjects. Prevalences were high in households wh ere the language spoken was other than English. The frequency of self- reported diabetes appears to be rising. Conclusion: Australia has comp aratively low total prevalence of self-reported diabetes/high blood su gar levels. High prevalence subsections exist, including the elderly a nd certain migrant groups.