Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia

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