Why are so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people getting, and dying of, diabetes?
Diabetes can also run in the family but in many cases, if you eat well and are physically active, you can stop yourself getting it. We’re becoming more overweight and obese, which makes us more at risk of diabetes. An obese person is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, and around six out of 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are currently overweight or obese. Other contributing factors to the high rates of diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities include poor standards of living, low birth weight and reduced access to medical care.
