Improved metabolic parameters of people with diabetes attending an aboriginal health service in regional victoria.

Abstract

To evaluate the baseline metabolic parameters and presence of diabetes complications in people with type 2 diabetes attending Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative in 2017 and compare it with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies and Australian specialist diabetes services. Clinical and biochemical characteristics were determined, including diabetes type, age, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, micro- and macrovascular complications, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), haemoglobin, renal function, lipid profile, urine albumin:creatinine ratio, diabetes medications, renin angiotensin system inhibition therapies, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and antiplatelet agents. 126 individuals had diabetes, 121 had type 2 diabetes. 113 identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Median age was 57.5 (48 - 68) years, median HbA1c was 7.8% (6.8 - 9.6), and median BMI 33.4kg/m2 (29 - 42.3). Compared to other Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, this population was older, had more obesity but with better glycaemia management. Compared to specialist diabetes services, this population was of similar age, with greater BMI but comparable HbA1c. Aboriginal people living with type 2 diabetes attending this regional Aboriginal health service have comparable glycaemic management to specialist diabetes services in Australia, managed largely by primary care physicians with limited access to specialist care for the last five years. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.