Preventable chronic diseases among indigenous australians: the need for a comprehensive national approach.

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and heart disease represent a serious and escalating health burden for Indigenous populations across Australia. Social disadvantage, inactive lifestyle and poor nutrition are major contributors to chronic disease among Indigenous peoples. We have the knowledge base to reduce the devastating impact of early onset chronic diseases in those who already have the conditions, and to prevent or delay their onset in those who have not yet succumbed. This represents a major and urgent challenge to governments and Indigenous communities.