SPECIAL EDITION:
10 YEARS of Western Sydney Diabetes
THIS year marks the 10th anniversary of Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD), a pioneering initiative that has made significant strides in combating diabetes in the region.
Western Sydney was identified as a diabetes hotspot and Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) determined ignoring it was not an option with skyrocketing health costs and the massive social impact on sufferers and their family.
Almost 58% of adults aged 16 and over in Blacktown City are overweight or obese. Even more alarming is that 30,341 children in Blacktown City
are overweight or obese and on their way in being impacted by chronic health problems in the coming decades.
There are more than three times more people in postcode 2148 in Blacktown (7.3% of the population) with diabetes than postcode 2088 Mosman (2.2%) on the North Shore. The ‘Beating Diabetes Together’ initiative was launched 10 years ago and continues to be a force in changing health behaviour for the better in our region. SEE INSIDE FOR MORE STORIES.
Western Sydney Diabetes Turns 10
RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO JOIN UP
2K Challenge a game changer
WESTERN Sydney residents will have access to exclusive health events and educational resources by taking part in the 2kg Challenge, a diabetes awareness, detection and prevention initiative launched by Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) and its partners as part of National Diabetes Week 2024 (July 14-21).
The 2kg Challenge encourages people to improve their health through small, manageable lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 30 per cent. Western Sydney Diabetes Director, Professor Glen Maberly said small, consistent lifestyle changes can help prevent diabetes.
“You don’t need to overhaul your life all at once, every bit of exercise and every healthy choice counts, that’s why the 2kg Challenge is about more than weight loss, it is about embracing lifestyle changes that we can sustain every day,” Prof Maberly said.
“Diabetes can often be prevented if you act early, through increasing your physical activity, eating a healthy diet and losing weight.
“However, if you do develop diabetes you need to make sure you are getting regular blood tests and working with your GP to ensure you are using the appropriate medications and keeping your blood sugars under control.”
The 2kg Challenge is part of an initiative by the Western Sydney Changing Diabetes collaboration which was launched in 2022 between Western Sydney Diabetes, Workers Lifestyle Group and pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk.
The Western Sydney Primary Health Network, WentWest, is also supporting this year’s 2kg Challenge and Director of Primary Care & Transformation, Jane Assange, said the network will launch the campaign across its general practices in the Blacktown area.
“By encouraging small, manageable lifestyle changes, we can make a significant impact on diabetes prevention in our community,” Ms Assange said.
“This challenge not only raises awareness but also provides essential
resources and support to help individuals make lasting, healthy lifestyle changes.
“Together, we can make a significant difference in diabetes prevention and the overall wellbeing of western Sydney.”
Workers Lifestyle Group Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Stewart said his team is committed to the 2kg Challenge, with the group launching the initiative to its staff and members in the Workers Blacktown Club.
“As Western Sydney Diabetes has shown us, so much can be done to manage Type 2 diabetes by early detection and simple lifestyle changes,” Mr Stewart said.
During National Diabetes Week, Western Sydney Diabetes will run various activities for the community on prevention and early detection.
Events include:
Tuesday, July 16:
• Diabetes detection and prevention promotion in the Blacktown Hospital foyer.
• Free Tai Chi and Gentle Exercise classes at Workers Blacktown Club.
Wednesday, July 17:
• Diabetes detection and educational stall at Workers Blacktown Club.
• Free line dancing and salsa lessons.
• Nutritional talk by a WSD dietitian at 1:30 pm.
Workers Blacktown Club patrons can also access free self-service health checks using SiSU health stations which are permanently located at the Club. And the community can also access free health coaching to support their health goals through NSW Health’s Get Healthy Service (gethealthynsw.com.au) - an
evidence-based, free, telephone and online health coaching service that helps people make healthy lifestyle changes.
Western Sydney Diabetes is a collaborative initiative led by the Western Sydney Local Health District and Western Sydney Primary Health Network, in partnership with Diabetes Australia and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
To register for the 2kg Challenge, visit 2kgchallenge.com.au For more information on National Diabetes Week 2024, visit diabetesaustralia.com.au/national-diabetesweek/
WSD Senior Dietitian Victoria Silvestro.
Blacktown Workers CEO, Morgan Stewart.
Exercising at Blacktown Workers Club.
Western Sydney Diabetes Turns 10
WESTERN SYDNEY DIABETES: A CALL TO ACTION
Reasons why to BEAT DIABETES
THIS year marks the 10th anniversary of Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD), a pioneering initiative that has made significant strides in combating diabetes in the region.
Western Sydney was identified as a diabetes hotspot and Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) determined ignoring it was not an option with skyrocketing health costs and the massive social impact on people with diabetes and their family.
Almost 58% of adults aged 16 and over in Blacktown City are overweight or obese. Even more alarming is that 30,341 children in Blacktown City are overweight or obese and on their way in being impacted by chronic health problems in the coming decades.
Being overweight has a significant influence on developing diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and other chronic health diseases.
Across Blacktown City:
• 1 in 5 people visiting emergency, their local doctor or being treated in hospital HAVE diabetes.
• 1 in every 3 people are on the verge of developing diabetes.
There are more than three times more people in postcode 2148 in Blacktown (7.3% of the population) with diabetes than postcode 2088 Mosman (2.2%) on the North Shore.
The 'Beating Diabetes Together' initiative was launched 10 years ago with Professor Glen Maberly from the School of Public Health at Sydney University with a clear mission to keep people healthy and slow the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes.
Over the past decade, WSD has worked tirelessly to support those at risk and those already living with diabetes so they seek additional support by visiting their GP.
WSD has coordinated with over 140 partner organisations, including the Western Sydney Changing Diabetes partners to address diabetes.
Stephen Bali MP, the NSW Member for Blacktown said: “Everyone in Blacktown knows someone who is suffering from diabetes from our extended family and friends network.
“It’s a silent pandemic because no one wants to talk iy because weight is a major contributor and when you get it, it feels like you are at fault.
“The solution begins by firstly talking about diabetes and how it can impact your life, and then secondly start doing something and it can be as simple as just doing a short walk.”
Prof Maberly agreed that public awareness of the problems associated with diabetes is low and that people don’t want to hear the horror stories as they believe it won’t happen to them.
Prof Maberly said: “Diabetes is a major cause of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, leg ulcers, amputations, and blindness. It also doubles the risk of dementia, cancer, and mental illness.”
Western Sydney Local Health District has both a regional facility and a local facility based at Blacktown
Hospital. Patients generally spend many hours every few days on dialysis machines where blood, waste and extra fluid is removed from your body; sent across a special filter to remove harmful substances before pumping the clean blood back into their body.
Diabetes contributes to more than 4,400 amputations with the most common being the removal of toes, feet or legs.
Mr Bali said: “The impact of dialysis, amputation, dementia or strokes not only impact on the sufferer but forces the family to change their way of life to support their relative. From holiday plans to attending family events, your life will adversely changed. Together we can make a difference and hence the start with the 2kg Challenge.”
Prof Maberly said: “This initiative encourages residents to lose just 2kg and keep it off, which would prevent one in three people with prediabetes from developing diabetes.
“Additionally, losing 10% of body weight within six years of being diagnosed with diabetes has an 80%
chance of putting the condition into remission. For those already managing diabetes, maintaining HbA1c levels below 7% can significantly reduce the risk of complications.”
The 2kg Challenge by WSD was quickly supported by Blacktown Workers Lifestyle Group and with Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, WentWest Primary Health Network and Diabetes Australia are inviting all residents to join the challenge.
Prof Maberly has created an inspiring song that underscores our collective effort to fight diabetes, is available on our website and the 2kg Challenge site.
Diabetes is a shared challenge, and it requires a collective effort. Join us by spreading the word and acting. Together, we can make a difference and create a healthier future for everyone in Western Sydney. By joining in, you are improving the health of your mother, father, brother, sister, children or your extended family.
Mr Bali MP said: “Lets start with losing 2kg and see where it takes us.”
For more information and to join the 2kg Challenge, visit https://2kgchallenge.com.au/ Let’s take up the challenge and continue our journey towards a diabetes-free Western Sydney.
WSD Credentialed Diabetes Educator Sian Bramwell carries out a HbA1C diabetes detection test on Stephen Bali MP.
Professor Glen Maberly.
• Regular physical activity
• Making healthy food and beverage choices
• Joining the 2kg Challenge.
• Logos
• Business cards
• Letterheads
• With Compliment Slips
• Presentation folders
• Marketing flyers
• Promotional cards
• Posters
• Pull Up Banners
• Infographics
• Brochures
• Catalogues
• Annual reports
• Newsletters
• Magazines
• Advertisements
• Social media tiles
• Web banners
WORKERS Lifestyle Group congratulates Western Sydney Diabetes, its partner in the Western Sydney Changing Diabetes campaign, on the 10th anniversary of its efforts to curb the dangers of type 2 diabetes to our community.
“We are proud to partner Western Sydney Diabetes in this important campaign for diabetes awareness, prevention and early detection and congratulate them on a decade of effort to improve our community’s health and wellbeing,” said Workers Lifestyle Group chief executive Morgan Stewart.
WSD’s anniversary is also marked by National Diabetes Week, July 14-21 and there is a big push to promote the 2kg Challenge in Blacktown area GP surgeries and WLG’s Workers Blacktown and Workers Sports Clubs.
“Our challenge is straightforward: losing 2kg of weight reduces by 30 per cent the risk of type 2 diabetes,” said Morgan.
“And the really good news is that type 2 diabetes is 80% preventable by
Western Sydney Diabetes Turns 10
WORKERS IN 2KG CHALLENGE PUSH
Easy to follow health program
early detection and lifestyle changes –losing excess weight, eating healthier, stopping smoking.
“As much as weight loss, the 2kg Challenge is about taking on simple, healthy lifestyle changes that we can all sustain every day,” Morgan said.
Because people living in Western Sydney are at significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than the rest of NSW, Workers joined forces with WSD, Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WentWest) and Novo Nordisk in late 2022 to launch Western Sydney Changing Diabetes.
Workers funds the campaign to the tune of $500,000 over five years.
More than that, Workers Blacktown and Workers Sports actively promote diabetes awareness and prevention with healthy lifestyle activities, like line dancing classes, healthy eating options, and free SiSU Health Station checks.
Since late 2022, more than 4300 members, guests and staff at Workers’ Blacktown clubs have taken the SiSU tests, which flags diabetes warning signs, such as high blood pressure, and alert people who are at-risk to visit their GPs.
The 2Kg Challenge is a free online program where, once signed up,
participants have access to an array of advice, ideas and resources that will guide them to getting healthier, fitter and lighter.
Participants are given weight-loss options and choices that work best for them – free healthy recipes, a healthy living coaching program, free and lowcost indoor and outdoor activities, and tips to stay on track.
During National Diabetes Week, Western Sydney Diabetes will operate an information stall at Workers Black-
town and WSD and WLG will run these programs:
Tuesday, July 16:
• Free Tai chi and Gentle Exercise classes; Wednesday, July 17:
• Diabetes detection;
• An information stall with educational resources on diabetes prevention;
• free weekly line dancing lessons and salsa for beginners
• A nutritional talk by the WSD dietitian at 1.30pm.
Club members using the SiSU Health Station.
Western Sydney Diabetes Turns 10
CELEBRATING INNOVATION AND IMPACT
Game changers in diabetes care
THIS year, Western Sydney proudly celebrates the 10th anniversary of Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD), a pioneering initiative dedicated to combating diabetes in our region.
Since its inception, WSD has been at the forefront of innovative diabetes management strategies, making a remarkable impact on the lives of those living with this condition.
One of the most groundbreaking advancements the WSD team has embraced is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM).
As an early adopter, WSD integrated CGM into its specialist services for people with type 2 diabetes referred to us by their GPs. This technology has proven to be a game changer in diabetes care.
CGM works by measuring glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night using a small sensor placed on the skin.
This eliminates the need for frequent finger-prick tests, providing a comprehensive view of glucose trends. With real-time data, patients and healthcare providers can make precise medication adjustments and lifestyle recommendations.
WSD has seen firsthand the transformative power of CGM. Combined with GP virtual case conferencing, it has revolutionised diabetes management.
Among WSD patients, there have been significant improvements: an average HbA1C reduction of 1.4% and an increase in Time in Range from 46% to 73% within just 3 to 6 months. Additionally, the incidence of hypoglycemia has notably decreased, enhancing overall patient safety and well-being.
Despite its clear benefits, CGM is not yet widely accessible to everyone with type 2 diabetes. In Western Sydney alone, nearly 13% of adults live
with type 2 diabetes, and 38% are at high risk. Managing diabetes costs over $18,000 per patient annually, totalling $1.8B in our region.
By subsidising CGM, health outcomes could improve and reduce these staggering costs.
Residents are invited to visit the WSD website to read patient stories and learn more about the impact of CGM. The diabetes challenge is now owned by all residents and WSD partners. Join the cause in spreading the
word and supporting this innovative technology.
Dr Rajini Jayaballa, Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University said: “CGM is a vital tool in the mission to improving the lives of those with diabetes. We look forward to a future where it is accessible to all patients with type 2 diabetes.”
To learn more about the 2kg Challenge and listen to the inspiring song created by Professor Glen Maberly for our 10-year celebration, visit https://2kgchallenge.com.au/
Link between diabetes and hearing loss
HEARING loss and diabetes are two of Australia’s most common health concerns and research shows that people living with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer hearing loss as those without the condition.
Diabetes is a condition that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone which helps balance the levels of sugar in your blood.
Western Sydney is facing a growing health concern due to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes which is at 13 per cent in adults - higher than the state average.
Western Sydney Diabetes is a collaborative initiative led by Western Sydney Local Health District and Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WentWest), Diabetes Australia and Department of Planning and Environment to address the Western Sydney diabetes hotspot.
Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, kidneys, nerves and can cause hearing loss and permanent vision loss in the eyes.
Donalee Rose, Community Hearing Advisor from Hearing Australia in Westpoint Blacktown, said it is important people living with diabetes understand the risks and long-term implications of hearing loss.
Ms Rose, who provides hearing care, education and information for the Blacktown Local Government Area, said most people are not aware
of the significant impact of diabetes on hearing.
“The structure of the inner ear is highly vascularised,” she said.
“Therefore, hearing loss can result from changes to the small blood vessels of the inner ear. “There is evidence that diabetes may lead to the sensorineural hearing loss by damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear.”
She said the physical and psycho-
logical effects of hearing loss can be debilitating.
“It is also critical that hearing loss is not left unmanaged due to the risk of comorbidities,” Ms Rose said.
Interventions are aimed at reducing the effects of the damage and restoring function. It is very important the brain continues to be stimulated by hearing and understanding words.
Hearing Australia has provid-
ed hearing care for 76 years helping Australians re-discover the joy of sound and is the largest provider of government-funded hearing services in Australia.
As a Community Hearing Advisor, Ms Rose liaises with GPs, pharmacists, community groups and sporting organisations to raise awareness of diabetes in the community via free hearing screenings to identify hearing loss and facilitate clinical appointments with audiologists.
Residents can contact Donalee Rose at Hearing Australia on (02) 9830 8300 for further hearing care.
Diabetes can be prevented by:
• Early detection and follow-up;
• Managing blood sugar levels;
• Quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels; and
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
Western Sydney Local Health District provides several initiatives including community education programs, screening services and support groups for people with diabetes.
Western Sydney Diabetes staff specialists have put together a video discussing the importance of hearing checks: https://vimeo.com/manage/ videos/770971497/af04736acb Visit www.westernsydneydiabetes.com.au/ for more information.
Donalee Rose, Community Hearing Advisor from Hearing Australia, does a screening test on Bill Needham of Prospect.
