A snapshot of health data from across the state reveals the rate of diabetes in Norlane is among the highest in Victoria – well above the state average and more than double the rate in Highton.The figures, published as part of The Age‘s State of Our Health series, reveal 8.6 per cent of Norlane residents reported having diabetes at the last census, compared to the state average of 4.7 per cent, and 3.26 per cent in Highton.
The highest figure across the Melbourne urban area was in Melton, which recorded an average of 8.2 per cent.
The numbers underline the link between economic disadvantage and the condition, with the lowest rates recorded in Victoria’s most affluent suburbs: Southbank (1.5%), Elwood (1.9%), Toorak (2.6%), Port Melbourne (2.9 per cent).
In the Geelong region the disease was least common in Torquay (2.48 per cent), Barwon Heads/Armstrong Creek (2.58%), Newtown (3.08%) and Ocean Grove (3.4 percent).
In Wyndham, suburbs with high immigration levels – Truganina and Tarneit – recorded rates as low as 2.58 per cent while Hoppers Crossing came in at 6.89 per cent.
The data does not distinguish between type 1 diabetes, which is largely genetic, and type 2, which is linked to diet and weight.
However most Australians diabetes sufferers – around 90 per cent – have type 2.
Experts say people on lower incomes may have less time to take part in physical activity, have less knowledge about healthy food options and often find processed food to be a cheaper option.
Research by Deakin University’s Global Centre for Preventative Health and Nutrition has also found outlets selling unhealthy food are far more common in areas of high growth.
Image: the rate of diabetes in Norlane is more than double that of affluent areas such as Highton (Pixabay/PeeJHunt)
