The indigenous population runs a risk that is four times higher than other Australians with regard to diabetes-related deaths, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Diabetes also contributes towards kidney disease, stroke, and heart attack. Between 2001 and 2003, almost 21,000 people aged over 25 years died due to illnesses related to diabetes.
During the period under review about 60 Tasmanians out of every 100,000 died due to diabetes or the complications which result because of diabetes. The national average for every 100,000 people is 60. There is also a greater prevalence of obesity, smoking, and low levels of physical activity in the country's most disadvantaged and remote areas. The Northern Territory of Australia has the highest diabetes-related death rates. The AIHW report also revealed that women are less likely to die from the disease when compared to men.