Blacktown City’s Mayor, along with over 50 council staff members, participated in a diabetes risk screening event hosted by the Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) team on World Diabetes Day. The initiative, which took place at the council’s Staff Roadshow, offered free diabetes risk assessments and highlighted the importance of early detection as well as the lifestyle improvement campaign, the 2kg Challenge.
The WSD team also engaged with the community at the Healthy Ageing Forum in Toongabbie later that evening, promoting healthy living practices and raising awareness about diabetes prevention.
According to NSW Health, diabetes rates in western Sydney have been steadily increasing for over a decade, with approximately 13% of local adults affected by the condition. Diabetes, which occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose levels due to insufficient or ineffective insulin production, can lead to severe complications, including damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves if left untreated.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024-2026 is “Diabetes Well-being,” focusing on the importance of proactive health management.
Mayor Brad Bunting, one of the first to take the test, emphasized the significance of regular screenings for the community. “Testing allows us to make informed decisions about our health,” said Mayor Bunting. “Western Sydney is fortunate to have resources and programs to assist with managing diabetes. I am committed to promoting a healthier, more active community in Blacktown, where staying active can significantly impact the prevention and management of diabetes.”
The 2kg Challenge, launched in 2022 by the Western Sydney Changing Diabetes collaboration between WSD, Workers Lifestyle Group, and Novo Nordisk, encourages individuals to adopt small, sustainable lifestyle changes to lower their risk of Type 2 diabetes by up to 30%.
Professor Glen Maberly, Director of WSD, explained that lifestyle adjustments, no matter how small, can help prevent diabetes. “Every bit of exercise and every healthy choice counts,” he said. “The 2kg Challenge is about more than just weight loss; it’s about creating lasting, manageable changes that improve overall health.”
Preventing Type 2 diabetes often involves increasing physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and losing weight. However, for those already diagnosed, regular blood tests and proper medication are essential for managing the condition.
WSD Prevention Manager Sarah Driscoll highlighted that Type 2 diabetes is especially prevalent in western Sydney, with rates up to twice as high as in Sydney’s northern and eastern suburbs. Certain cultural and socio-economic groups, including those from the Indian subcontinent, Arabic, Asian, Pacific Islands, and Aboriginal communities, are disproportionately affected.
WSD urges adults with the following risk factors to seek a simple HbA1c blood test from their GP:
- A family history of diabetes
- An inactive lifestyle
- Overweight or obesity
- Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- A background from a high-risk ethnic group
The 3-minute finger prick test, which does not require fasting, offers a quick and reliable indication of diabetes risk.
In conclusion, experts agree that maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits are critical for diabetes prevention. “Making changes to your lifestyle through diet and exercise, alongside appropriate medication, is the best way to manage blood glucose levels,” WSD states.
The Western Sydney Diabetes initiative, supported by WSLHD, Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WentWest), Diabetes Australia, and the Department of Planning and Environment, is dedicated to addressing the growing diabetes crisis in the region.
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World Diabetes Day 2024: Global Focus on Access to Diabetes Care
Global Diabetes Crisis Escalates with Cases Surpassing 800 Million, Urging Immediate Global Action
Diabetes Rates Surge Worldwide, Raising Alarm Over Public Health Crisis
