Indicator 3.1 People with diabetes who achieve the target level for blood pressure

Overview

In 2017–18, more than one third (38%) of Australian adults aged 18 and over with self-reported diabetes achieved the target level for blood pressure (<130/80 mmHg), based on measured blood pressure data from the National Health Survey (NHS).

Trends

After adjusting for age, there was no significant difference in the proportion of Australian adults who achieved the target level for blood pressure in 2011–12, 2014–15 and 2017–18 (34%, 45% and 37%, respectively) (Figure 3.1.1).

Population groups

There were no differences by socioeconomic or remoteness areas in 2017–18 (Figure 3.1.2). Due to small numbers, age-standardised proportions were not derived.

State and territory

There were no differences in the proportion of Australian adults who achieved the target level for blood pressure between states and territories in 2017–18 (Figure 3.1.2). Due to small numbers, age-standardised proportions were not derived.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

An estimated 2 in 5 (40%) Indigenous adults with self-reported diabetes met the blood pressure target in 2018–19, based on estimates from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS) (Figure 3.1.2).

Based on measured data from the 2018–19 NATSIHS and 2017–18 NHS, the age-standardised proportion of people with diabetes meeting the blood pressure target was slightly higher for Indigenous adults compared with non-Indigenous adults, but the differences were not statistically significant (44% and 37%, respectively) (Figure 3.1.2).

About the data

It should be noted that the estimates obtained from the National Health Surveys are based on relatively small numbers and are associated with large sampling error. The lack of statistical significance does not necessarily mean that there is no difference between the estimates being compared.

Explore the data

3.1 People with diabetes who achieve the target level for blood pressure, by age and sex, 2011–12 to 2017–18 and by selected population group, 2017–18

Trends figure 3.1.1 shows the proportion of people with diabetes who achieved the target level for blood pressure increased from 34% to 45% between 2011-12 and 2014-15. Proportions then slightly decreased with around 37% of males and 38% of females achieving the target in 2017-18.

Population group figure 3.1.2 shows around 37% of persons with diabetes achieved the target level for blood pressure in 2017-18. Proportions were similar among age groups and by sex, with around 49% of females and 39% of males aged 55-64 achieving the target. Around 44% of Indigenous Australians achieved the target level for blood pressure, with proportions being similar among Indigenous males and Indigenous females. The proportion of people with diabetes who achieved the target was similar by remoteness area and decreased with socioeconomic disadvantage. Almost 46% of people from the highest socioeconomic area and around 33% of people with diabetes from the lowest socioeconomic area achieved the target. Proportions were similar among the states and territories, with proportions being highest in the Northern Territory (48%) and lowest in Western Australia (32%).

Indicator 3.1 data specifications

 

Definition

Data source

Numerator

Estimated number of adults (18+ years) with self-reported diabetes who had blood pressure ≤ 130/80 mmhg.

Included people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and type unknown.

ABS 2019a; ABS 2019b; ABS 2016; ABS 2013

 

Denominator

Estimated number of adults (18+ years) with self-reported diabetes.

Included people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and type unknown.

ABS 2019a; ABS 2019b; ABS 2016; ABS 2013