Australian Aboriginal News & Current Affairs
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Diabetes six times more frequent in WA indigenous communities

Extract from Australian Broadcasting Corporation - ABC Online, on 25 Oct 2002

There has been a call for more resources to tackle the fastest-growing
health problem in Western Australia's Aboriginal communities.

Research at Noonkanbah in the Kimberley has found at least 30 per cent of
those tested are diabetics or considered high-risk.

Noonkanbah is one of dozens of communities struggling to cope with an
explosion of Type 2 diabetes.

Princess Margaret Hospital has tested over 100 of its residents and found
20 per cent of the adults had diabetes, and a further 15 per cent are
suspected sufferers.

Dr Tim Jones says that is at least six times higher than the
non-indigenous rate.

"Type 2 diabetes is associated with complications of the heart, stroke,
early death and it can go undetected for years," Dr Jones said.

The tests are part of a pilot intervention program by former member for
the Kimberley, Ernie Bridge.

Under the project, volunteer carers including Western Australian football
identity Percy Johnson have been living at Noonkanbah, offering advice on
diet and exercise.

 

 

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