Indigenous people are 4 times more likely to die from diabetes. We need to better understand how exercise can support

It is estimated that almost 1.9 million Australians suffer from diabetes, and the number of these people is increasing. In the years 2013–2023, the total number of people with diabetes in the entire country increased by 32%.

As in the case of a series health conditionsdiabetes disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Indigenous Australians are three times more likely diagnosed with diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians. Are 4.4 times more likely die from this.

Among other things, physical activity plays an essential role in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. However, our up-to-date study, published in the journal Medical Journal of Australiashows that we don’t know enough about the role of physical activity in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes in First Nations people.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which it occurs too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. There are different types of diabetes, but the most common is type 2 diabetes. In people with type 2 diabetesthe body becomes resistant to the action of insulin – a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include a family history of diabetes, being overweight and high blood pressure.

The high rate of diabetes in indigenous communities is largely influenced by… social determinants of health. For example, we know food insecurity disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially in rural and remote communities. This can make it challenging to stick to a fit diet, which in turn affects your overall health.

People in remote indigenous communities they also often have poorer access to education and employment opportunities, adequate housing and high-quality health care. All these factors can contribute to worsening health.

First Nations communities do especially high stakes younger onset type 2 diabetes (usually defined as diagnosis before the age of 40).

If diabetes is not treated effectively, it can lead to a number of complicationsincluding long-term damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet. Diabetes can affect all aspects of a person’s life, including their life sanity.

Lifestyle interventions (diet and physical activity) are generally recommended as part of the treatment plan. for type 2 diabetes.

We wanted to understand how physical activity interventions could support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes.

Our research

There is robust evidence that it plays more than just a role in preventing diabetes exercise is beneficial for people already diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity is associated with lower levels glycated hemoglobin in the blood (an indicator of glucose control), reduced levels of lipids in the blood such as cholesterol, and weight loss. The evidence suggests a combination aerobic and resistance exercises may be better than either mode alone.

We reviewed research examining the impact of physical activity interventions and programs on the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes among First Nation Australians.

We only found it nine studies that investigated physical activity interventions to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes in Indigenous adults.

There is evidence linking physical activity with improved outcomes for Indigenous Australians with type 2 diabetes. However, the value of the results was affected by weaknesses in the study design and the lack of Indigenous involvement in the design and conduct of the studies.

The high-quality evidence gap

There are many aspects of preventing and managing diabetes that tend to be more challenging for people in First Nations communities, especially those living in rural or remote areas.

Additionally, up-to-date technologies that can support manage diabetes, such as continuous glucose monitorsare often very pricey.

It is incredibly essential what Indigenous Australians with diabetes have access to appropriate support for diabeticseducation and services.

In particular, health, cultural, and socioeconomic differences may impact participation in physical activity. What constitutes realistic exercise opportunities may differ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to other Australians.

Previous data has shown that Indigenous Australians are less likely to socialize recommendations for physical activity than non-Indigenous Australians.

Factors that may influence physical activity levels among First Nations people include access to protected, accessible, family-friendly, and affordable places to exercise. These may be narrow in regional and remote communities.

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Read more: How a culturally informed model of care helped First Nations patients with heart disease

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Overall, we found a lack of reliable evidence on whether and what types of exercise may benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with type 2 diabetes.

Given that physical activity is a cornerstone of the treatment of type 2 diabetes, we need more tough research in this area. These studies must be well designed and culturally appropriate. They must engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at all levels of the research process.

Targeted research will support us identify the best ways to escalate physical activity and understand its benefits for Indigenous people with type 2 diabetes.