Abstract

OBJECTIVE—To quantify the risk for type 2 diabetes by body habitus measurements among remote-living Australian Aborigines relative to that measured in the general Australian population (as characterized by the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle [AusDiab] study).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Anthropometric measurements and diabetes status were assessed by standard procedures among Aborigines (n = 1,456) and Australians aged ≥25 years (n = 11,247). Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for diabetes among Aborigines relative to AusDiab participants were calculated by commonly used categories of body size measurements.

RESULTS—The OR (95% CI) values for diabetes among normal, overweight, and obese (by waist) Aboriginal women relative to AusDiab women were 2.6 (0.6–11.5), 13.1 (6.7–25.7), and 6.1 (4.6–8.0), respectively, and for Aboriginal men relative to AusDiab men, they were 7.6 (4.6–12.5), 7.6 (4.3–13.4), and 5.2 (3.4–8.0), respectively. Rates of diabetes were also excessive in Aborigines for each standard category of BMI.

CONCLUSIONS—Higher rates of diabetes, even at normal and lower body habitus measurements, among Aborigines suggest that strategies for prevention should expand beyond exclusive focus on diet and weight management.