Australia

Study populations

Australia, in 2016, had an estimated population of 24.1m with some 15% (3.6m) over the age of 65 years. By 2050, the proportion of older people will increase 36% to 32.9m with a marked demographic shift toward population ageing. Those aged 65 years or older will comprise 22.5% (7.4m) of the total population.

Alongside the ageing population, diabetes prevalence is increasing – with the most recent statistics reporting ~1.1m people living with the condition. Of note is that in 2015 Australia had the highest spending per person with diabetes in the region at $7,652 to $14,498 USD, compared with the Western Pacific average between $693 to $1,246 USD.

Report & Infographic

Cover page for Australia Study Report. For accessible PDF version of full report click the image.

Info-graphic containing overview of findings. For an accessible PDF please click the image.

Time of presentation for screening with an opthamologist

57.1% In time for screening, 42.9% When visual problems have already occurred, 0% Too late for effective treatment

(Opthamologists n=14)

In time for screening When visual problems have already occurred Too late for effective treatment

Availability of DR patient education materials in health care providers’ offices

42.6% Sufficient information available, 23.8% Information not sufficient, 25.8% No written information available 7.9% Don’t know

(All providers n=101)

Sufficient information available Information not sufficient No written information available Don’t know

Complications adults with diabetes were most concerned about

45.9% Vision loss, 18.9% Cardiovascular disease/stroke, 10.8% Kidney disease, 7.1% Amputation

(Adults with diabetes n=296)

Vision loss Cardiovascular disease/stroke Kidney disease
Amputation

Frequency of discussions about eye complications with health care providers

17.2% Every visit, 23% Multiple times per year, 36.1% Once a year, 11.8% When symptoms arise, 8.4% Never

(Adults with diabetes n=296)

Every visit Multiple times per year Once a year When symptoms arise Never

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