Ta. Welborn et al., 1989-90 NATIONAL-HEALTH SURVEY - PREVALENCE OF SELF-REPORTED DIABETESIN AUSTRALIA, Medical journal of Australia, 163(3), 1995, pp. 129-132
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.