Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia

This research focuses on the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in Australia, including the prevalence in vulnerable communities, differences between type I and type II diabetes, and strategies for reducing incidences. The study also explores the relationship between diabetes and other diseases. Find relevant research papers, essays, and assignments on this topic at Desklib.

Running head: EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 1
Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia
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EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 2
Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia
Aims and Objectives of the Research
The aims of the research were established and to evaluate the epidemiology of
diabetes mellitus in Australia based on the analytical data obtained from evidence-based
practice. The study intended to identify the most vulnerable communities and the prevalence
of the diseases in these communities. Secondly, the research aimed at identifying the
differences between type I and type II diabetes based on the incidences and prevalence in the
country. Thirdly, the research focuses at providing appropriate strategies and interventions
that help in reducing the incidences and prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Australia. Lastly,
the study provides the relationship between diabetes and other diseases like cataracts, foot
ulcers, and other related conditions and illnesses.
Background and Rationale of the Research
Diabetes mellitus is serious diseases affecting many people in contemporary societies. It is a
chronic illness or disease caused by an increased amount blood glucose due to failure of the
glucose balance mechanism in the body. Blood sugar level is regulated by insulin which is
secreted from the pancreas (de Courten et al., 2015). In some cases, the body cells may fail to
respond to the action of the insulin produced in the pancreas. Evidence-Based practice and
health surveillance are done by various recognized organizations in the country have shown
that more than one million Australians are suffering from diabetes mellitus. 10% of the
people had type I diabetes mellitus while the rest have type II diabetes mellitus (Collins et al.,
2010). The incidence of type I diabetes increases from childhood and in some cases, the
disease may progress into type II diabetes.
Analysis of the data from World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that the
epidemiology of type II diabetes is almost similar in Australia and other Asian and European

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 3
countries (Gibson, Segal & McDermott, 2012). The epidemiology of the disease has also
been related to the lifestyles of the people. In this century, the lifestyle of the people has
changed due to civilization. The epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in the country is related to
the age groups of the people in the country. Diabetes may also be grouped as a genetic
condition because some parents may transmit the disease to their children. Some of the
cultural practices that have increased the prevalence and incidences of diabetes include heavy
alcohol consumption and active smoking. Smoking and drinking of alcohol have resulted to
the prevalence of diabetes in Australia because the indigenous communities like the
Aboriginals and the Torres Strait Islanders engage in these practices (Foreman et al., 2017).
The incidences of the disease are also higher in adults as compared to young people. The best
rationale for this research protocol is implementing national campaign programs to promote
public health outcomes.
Research plan
Study Design and Rationale
A prospective cohort study was used in the research conducted in various Australian
states. A self-report model was applied as an appropriate questionnaire in the cohort study.
Baseline information was obtained and a follow-up process was undertaken for three years to
ensure consistency of the research outcomes (Dunbar et al., 2014). The follow-up was done
every year until the specified period for completion of the plan was attained. Participants
were selected from the various schemes like the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)
and the Australian welfare organizations (Harrison et al., 2017). The NDSS is one of the
government initiatives under the administration of Diabetes Australia. NDSS provides
products and data related to diabetes in the country. The products provided by the scheme are

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 4
subsidized by the government to ensure that the registered research groups obtain quality
study outcomes for improving the health status of the public.
The participants of the were people above 18 years because diabetes mellitus is
related to age and its prevalence is lower among children (Hagger et al., 2016). The sample
population consisted of people who not been diagnosed with type I and type II diabetes
mellitus in the country. The selection of the people who had not been screened of any type of
disease was intended to identify the pattern of the disease based on the comparison of past
and recent incidences of the disease. The study focused on the metropolitan areas where the
lifestyles of the people have changed due to western culture and civilization (Donald et al.,
2012). The design of the study was also directed on the remote areas occupied by the
indigenous communities like Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.
The appropriate rationale for this cohort study was the participant tracking, retention
and follow-up procedure. For effective performance of the design used in the research, the
rationale helped in encouraging people diagnosed with diabetes to take part in the baseline of
the study. The follow-up procedure was undertaken at a regular period of three months to
ensure the consistency of the expected results. Letters were also sent to the selected
participants to appreciate those who had attended the subsequent events and encourage those
who had failed to turn up for the next questionnaires. Reminder messages were also sent to
the participant to appreciate them and remind them of the next activities.
The Outcome Measure of the Study
The desired outcomes of the research were based on the health factors that increased
the prevalence and incidences of the disease. The outcome measure was dependent on the
rationale and the designed applied in the study. The size and age of the population also
determined the outcomes of the study. The prevalence and incidences of diabetes are higher

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 5
on the indigenous communities of Australia like Aboriginals and the Torres Strait Islanders
(Lazzarini et al., 2012). It was identified that some of the social practices of these indigenous
communities increase the risks of overweight and obesity. Heavy alcohol consumption and
prolonged smoking of tobacco increase the risks of developing obesity because a lot of fats
develop in the tissues of the body. Obesity increases the risks of getting diabetes. The
prevalence of type II diabetes was higher in the country due to the increase in the obesity
rates. In this case, the bodies of the people with obesity do not respond to the insulin
produced by the pancreases.
From the examination of the people exposed to the risks of the disease, it was also
identified that the prevalence of diabetes type I is higher in females as compared to males at
the age of 20-44 years. The prevalence and incidences of type II diabetes mellitus are higher
in males at the age of 65 years and above as compared to females of the same age group. The
prevalence of type II diabetes in males above 65 years is due to the smoking of tobacco. In
some cases, the ex-smokers from the aboriginal community were likely to develop type II
diabetes. Most of the people in urban areas are living with type I diabetes is due to the
changes in lifestyles of these people (Mc Namara et al., 2010).
The Intervention Approach used in the Study
A population-based intervention was used in the research to examine the number of
Australians with diabetes mellitus. The application of this intervention recommended for the
diagnosis of the sample population based on the guidelines provided by the World Health
Organization. The population-based intervention applied in the cohort study selected to
ensure a widespread analysis of the epidemiological factors that increase the morbidity of the
disease in the country (O’Reilly et al., 2016). The model used a hypothetical approach
involving some junk food taxed in the country, in this cohort study, the taxation was

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 6
applicable to the people who consumed junk food. The taxes also applied to other products
with the risks factors that can cause diabetes. The taxation issued to reduce the consumption
of junk food. The junk food, in this case, include unnecessary food with sugar like biscuits,
pastries, snack food, cakes, pies, and soft drinks. The taxation of these food affects the entire
population of Australia, therefore, becoming an appropriate intervention for measuring the
exposure levels to diabetes.
The application of the intervention is pivotal in reducing the BMI of the Australian
population, therefore, reducing the exposure to the risk factors. High taxation on alcoholic
drinks and tobacco will reduce the risks factors related to type II diabetes mellitus among the
adults, especially on the Aboriginals and the Torres Strait Islanders. This intervention
reduced the BMI of women by 2.4% and that of men by 1.8%. The reduction of the BMI of
women by a greater percentage indicated that women and young girls are the leading people
in the consumption of food which can pose diabetes risk factors.
The Population of the Study
The selected population consisted of adults within the bracket of 18-75 years.
Majority of the participants were those who can speak, write and read using the English
language. Those people who were not able to use the English language were assigned with
some translators and consisted of the illiterate indigenous communities of Australia, that is,
the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. It was important to include the indigenous
communities because they are the leading groups of people with type II diabetes mellitus in
the country. The eligible people for selection in the research were those with the Mature
Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) and gestational diabetes while those with diabetes
related with autoimmunity were not included in the research because evidences on the causes
of autoimmune diabetes are not sufficient. The participant was restricted to those people

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 7
above the age of 18 years because prevalence and incidences of diabetes are insignificant
among children.
A total of 3833 respondents were invited to participate in the cohort study. Out of the
total invited people, only 2153 were able to provide a response on their consent of invitation
to the research. Those respondents who consented to the invitation was 56% of the total
participants selected. 1643 invitations were sent through email. 510 respondents failed to
provide email addresses to the researchers. 338 participants were invited through postal
address after the failure of some emails. After the postal messages were sent to the
respondents, it was also identified that 88 respondents did not receive the invitation.
Reminders messages were then composed and sent to the contactable participants to confirm
their attendance.
The Analytic Strategy and the Statistical Approach in the Study
Diabetes has caused a lot of medical conditions and illness among the people living
with the disease (Carolan-Olah, 2016). The research aimed at reducing the impacts of the
disease on the victims and improve the quality of lives of the Australians. It was important to
develop an appropriate analytic strategy to achieve the desired research outcomes. The
analytic strategy applied in this research focused on reducing the complications related to
diabetes like cataracts, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia. This strategic model reduced
the number of amputation done on the victims. Type II diabetes may result in chronic diabetic
foot ulcer if the disease is not treated (Chamberlain et al., 2016). The diabetic foot ulcer may
fail to heal if the appropriate therapeutic approach is not used in the treatment and
management of the complication. Amputation is done on the affected foot or leg, therefore,
the use of this strategy reduces the impacts of diabetes on the lives of the people.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 8
Quality of Life (QoL) model was the appropriate proposed statistical approach used in
the cohort study. This approach allows a combined interpolation of various strategies for the
analysis and evaluation of research data. QoL approach also enables a comparison to be made
on the various study results for the determination of an efficient plan (Colagiuri et al., 2010).
In this approach, the data were analyzed based on the guidelines of the WHO and Diabetes
Australia. The statistical procedures were focused on obtaining quality outcomes based on
risk prevention measures. The quality of life of the people is improved through the
application of preventive measures, therefore, reducing the impacts related to diabetes
mellitus on the people. Reporting is important in ensuring that the statistical approach works
effectively as required (Laafira et al., 2016). Appropriate implementation and utilization of
the approach in the statistical procedures lead to improvement of the quality of people's lives.
Anticipated Outcomes and Significance
The results of the study can be used in determining the appropriate strategy for
reducing the impacts related to diabetes mellitus in Australia. After the application of the
analytical strategy, data were evaluated based on the complications caused by diabetes
mellitus. The prevalence of type II diabetes is higher as compared to type I in remote areas of
Australia. The recorded data provided an overview of the research outcomes. The
epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in Australia depends on the social and economic factors
that increase the risks of getting the disease. analysis of the aggregated data from the NDSS
provides a clear distinction of the incidences of related diseases like cardiovascular diseases,
kidney failure, cataracts and hyperlipidemia in the country. For example, people living with
diabetes have higher risks of developing high blood pressure and kidney failure.
The analytic strategy used in the cohort study provided relevant outcomes describing
the relationship between cataracts and type II diabetes. It was clear that 40% of the

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 9
participants had type II diabetes. Those people with type II diabetes were the participant with
50 years and above. 45participanst screened with type II diabetes where developed cataracts
had in one of their eyes. Cataracts resulted from the accumulation of galactose in the retina of
the eye, therefore, interfering with normal vision. The study also identified obese people to be
ex-smokers and had higher risks of developing diabetes. Most of the type II diabetes victims
were men with because most of them were involved in heavy alcohol consumption and
tobacco smoking (Ali, Echouffo-Tcheugui & Williamson, 2012). The data relates to the
NDSS registrants, therefore, ensuring that quality research outcomes are obtained.
The NDSS database provides a clear relationship between type II diabetes and renal
failure. From the research study, it was identified that 196 participants with type II diabetes
had renal failure. In this case, the renal tubules have decreased the ability to reabsorb sugars
from the filtrate, therefore, causing a complication called glycosuria (Papatheodorou et al.,
2016). Out of the total participants, 75% of the screened people tested positive for diabetes in
which the majority of them had developed high blood pressure. Majority of the people with
diabetic-related hypertension were participants within the bracket of 49-69 years.
Type I diabetes was related to the consumption of junk food. A total of 1934
participants had type I diabetes in which 845 were people under the age of 49 years. Out of
the 845 participants, 628 were ladies while the rest were men. The eating habits of young
women exposed them to the risks of developing diabetes (Peacock et al., 2015). The
outcomes of the study are significant in determining appropriate medical intervention to be
used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes based on the etiology and the type of
diabetes. Analysis and evaluation of the data improve overall health outcomes, therefore,
reducing the impacts and complication caused by diabetes on the Australians.
Proposed Timeline

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 10
The proposed timeline is important in promoting public health actions in the
prevention and management of the impacts of diabetes in Australia and promoting public
outcomes. Quality public outcomes are achieved through various strategies to be applied
within the proposed time. Prevention and care strategies are pivotal in improving the lives of
people with diabetes (Rancière et al., 2015). Prevention of the complications related to
diabetes is important in the improvement of public outcomes in Australia.
First Year
The prevention of risks is the main strategy at the beginning of the research. The
application of this public health action ensures that the prevalence of the disease reduces by a
greater percentage. The proposed intervention will reduce the cases of diabetes by 6.4%. The
outcomes are revealed before 2025. The prevention of the disease in the country requires
participation in both governmental and non-governmental organization. Risk prevention
involves public health surveillance and education (Shih et al., 2013). The public is educated
on the lifestyles that can expose people to diabetes mellitus and related complications. For
effective reduction of the cases of the diseases, the prevention of the related risks should
focus on the long-term impacts caused by the disease. People will be educated on healthy
foodstuffs and diets to use to prevent the prevalence and incidences of diabetes in the
country. The recommended actions in this prevention strategy include regular physical
exercise. Obese people are recommended to engage in physical exercise to reduce their BMI
and prevent the occurrence of diabetes (Shaw & Chisholm, 2003).
The Second Year
The surgical approach is another strategy in the management of diabetes. This is an
appropriate treatment used in the management of the disease in its chronic phase. This
approach is effective in reducing the prevalence of the disease by 11.3%. His surgical

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 11
strategy is effective in reducing the incidences of complications like diabetic foot ulcer.
Evidence-based practice has recommended for the use of debridement therapy in the
treatment and management of diabetic foot ulcers (Sathish et al., 2013). The treatment of the
complication like hypertension and renal failure also prevents deterioration of life and
promote public outcomes.
The Third Year
Combination Approach will be applied in the final year of the research. This strategy
involves the use of both non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapeutic processes in
the prevention and treatment of diabetes in Australia. Pharmacological approaches are
specific for the treatment of the disease and related complications (Sibartie & Quinlivan,
2015). The non-pharmacological approaches are important preventive measures. Clinical
trials and testing are important in ensuring determining the efficacy of this approach in the
promotion of public health outcomes.
Conclusion
The morbidity of diabetes mellitus in Australia is related to the social, geographical
and economic factors. Economic factors have changed the lifestyles of the people in the
country, therefore, increasing the prevalence of the disease and risks of the related
complications. It is important to implement appropriate interventions for improving public
health outcomes. The strategic plans and require the participation of all people in the country.
Government interventions and public actions are essential in reducing the prevalence of
diabetes in the country. The indigenous communities should be educated in the importance of
disease prevention through eradication of some social practices like tobacco smoking and
heavy alcohol consumption.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN AUSTRALIA 12
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