New research highlights rural diabetes gaps

New research is sounding the alarm on the urgent need to improve diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in rural and remote areas.
 
The study, supported by the Australian General Practice Research Foundation and Diabetes Australia, analysed health data to understand outcomes for more than 5000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients across 427 general practices between 2011 and 2022.
 
It found most patients received regular checks for blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and kidney function, though monitoring of weight and waist size was slightly lower.
 
Despite strong engagement in general practice, the study revealed rural patients are continuing to experience increased risk of complications, such as heart disease and kidney failure, due to blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
 
The findings align with Patient Experience Week – an annual event celebrating healthcare staff impacting patient experience every day and running from 28 April–2 May this year.
 
‘This research highlights real progress in general practice, but it also shows we have more work to do – especially in rural areas,’ said the study’s lead investigator Professor Nigel Stocks.
 
‘Every Australian, regardless of where they live, has the right to quality, culturally safe healthcare. This is a timely reminder that we must close these gaps.’
 
Encouragingly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients showed higher diabetes monitoring rates than the general population, suggesting meaningful engagement between patients and GPs.
 
However, the research team stresses that blood pressure, weight management, and support for rural health services must now become national priorities.
 
In response, the team is developing a digital tool to support culturally safe care planning, helping GPs and patients set realistic, personalised health goals.
 
A second academic paper is also in progress, exploring the systemic barriers rural patients face and ways to better respond.
 
The research was co-ordinated by Dr Natalie Pink, a proud Nyikina woman, and Antoinette Liddell, a descendant of the Wajarri People.
 
‘As an Aboriginal health practitioner working in general practice, I see how important these findings are to drive improvements in diabetes management in my community,’ said Miss Liddell.
 
‘Health is a basic human right. That means we need Aboriginal voices leading research, co-designing solutions, and shaping how care is delivered.’
 
This research offers a timely reminder that the right to good health must extend to every community—no matter where they live.
 
The Australian General Practice Research Foundation and Diabetes Australia will again partner in 2025 to deliver the Diabetes Management in General Practice Grant, opening in May.

Visit the RACGP’s Australian General Practice Research Foundation website for more details.
 
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Australian General Practice Research Foundation healthcare research