NEW data shows the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes has increased since the start of the pandemic.
Data using Australia's leading Type 2 Diabetes Risk Indicator suggests the risk of developing the disease has increased across all age groupings between 16 and 75 since the onset of the pandemic, and for cohorts in every state except South Australia.
The data, which shows a clear lift in AUSDRISK scores over the course of the pandemic, was collected from more than 300 health stations positioned in pharmacies around the nation.
Collected up to 9 June 2021, the data shows an average of 26.5% of those surveyed were at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in 2021, compared with 24.5% in 2019. A "High" AUSDRISK rating means an individual has a 1 in 14 chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes in the next five years.
SiSU Health managing director Noel Duncan said restrictions and lockdowns were having clear consequences on the health and wellbeing of Australians.
"The health data portrays a concerning trend in recent months that carries ramifications for thousands of Australians. but it is also important to recognise the proactive steps within our control," he said.
"We are trying to highlight that in more than half of cases, Type 2 Diabetes is a preventable disease. By monitoring your health and heeding early warnings, you can actually take measures to improve your health," Dr Duncan said.
While genetic disposition plays a strong role in development of type 2 diabetes, the risk is greatly increased through insufficient physical activity, poor diet, and obesity. Smoking and high cholesterol are also risk factors.
Dr Duncan said having access to immediate health feedback was a powerful tool not just for individuals, but also for the community in general.
"By painting a picture of population health and trends, real-time health data enables governments and organisations to invest in information campaigns and research that will make a real difference to community health outcomes," Dr Duncan said.
SiSU health checks assess a range of health indicators including blood pressure, stress levels, weight and diabetes risk. Data on smoking, diet and physical activity are also collected.
Six of the seven age groupings above 16 years of age showed a moderate increase in risk. Only the oldest group (over 75-year-olds) remained static. Similarly, nearly every state and territory showed an increase in the proportion at high risk.
Only South Australia experienced a decline. South Australia was also the only jurisdiction across Australia to record a decline in High BMI prevalence during the COVID period.