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Lions District 201N5’s Diabetes Chair, Mohan Nanayakkara with Western Sydney Diabetes Endocrinologist Rona Francisco and Primary Preventions Officer Aruni Ratnayake.

Diabetes remains one of the most significant health challenges for western Sydney.

Lions and Leos clubs of Lions District 201N5 (Sydney and Norfolk Island), Kings Langley, Sydney Sri Lankan, Blacktown City and Cherrybrook Leo clubs have come together to tackle the diabetes epidemic in western Sydney.

They are holding a free community forum on Thursday, June 2 at Blacktown Workers Club in collaboration with Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) and supported by Blacktown City Council, Blacktown Workers Club and Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

Western Sydney has a large multicultural population presenting a higher risk of them developing type 2 diabetes, guests can learn more from the experts about:

  • Early detection with a HbA1c test;
  • Lifestyle – diet, exercise, and nature;
  • GP Management Plan;
  • Specialist service with an Endocrinologist; and
  • Diabetes distress and mental health.

Lions District 201N5’s Diabetes Chair, Mohan Nanayakkara, said in line with the Lions Clubs International (LCI) a key global cause is to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the lives of those with diabetes.

“Better knowledge will also benefit their families with greater freedom, better relationships, and emotional wellbeing,” Mr Nanayakkara said.

“Learning how to prevent or control diabetes will save money and time and help hospitals with fewer emergencies and visits as well.”                                         

WSD Diabetes Preventions Officer Aruni Ratnayake said Blacktown and Mount Druitt’s large proportion of residents with diabetes is due to poor lifestyle choices.

According to WSD, diabetes screening at the Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospital Emergency Departments in 2017 showed alarming rates of 17 per cent of people with diabetes and 29 per cent having pre- diabetes.

“This calls for urgent action in the Blacktown area as the region is now a diabetes hotspot with high rates of diabetes more than double that of Sydney’s eastern and northern suburbs,” Ms Ratnayake said.

WSD endocrinologist and presenter, Dr Rona Francisco, said it is estimated that 12 per cent of western Sydney residents (91,500 people) have diabetes.

“In addition, 38 per cent of the local population (290,000 people) are at ‘high risk’ of type 2 diabetes with pre-diabetes or early undiagnosed diabetes,” Dr Francisco said. “Unless we act, the problems will continue to worsen.”

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale said greater awareness of diabetes was essential, especially in western Sydney.

“Blacktown City Council is committed to diabetes awareness and the promotion of healthy lifestyles to help tackle the scourge of diabetes in our city,” he said.

WSD is encouraging anyone who is at high risk to go to their GP and get tested for a free HbA1c test.

This includes adults in western Sydney who has more than one of the following risk factors:

  • A family history of diabetes;
  • An inactive lifestyle;
  • Is overweight or obese;
  • Had diabetes during a pregnancy;
  • Is 45 years old or older; and
  • Have a Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent, Chinese, South East Asian, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background

 

Details: 6pm-8pm, Thursday, June 2 at The Ballroom, Blacktown Workers Club, 55 Campbell St, Blacktown.

 

Free registration: https:// www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-diabetes-awareness-forum-tickets-328505166797

Inquiries: diabetes@lions.sydney; Mohan, 0400 024 052; or John, 0419 663 466.

Or scan the code below:

                                                                                               

Diabetes detection at Kimberwalli for NAIDOC Week 2024

Western Sydney Diabetes will be carrying out diabetes detection during NAIDOC Week celebrations on Tuesday, July 9 at Kimberwalli, Whalan.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood. The body can’t make insulin, enough insulin or is not effectively using the insulin it does make.

Over time high glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, resulting in long term health complications including heart, kidney, eye and foot damage.

NSW Health estimates that diabetes rates in western Sydney are 13 per cent in adults and have been rising for over a decade.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are three times more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a direct or indirect cause for 20% of Aboriginal people’s deaths.

People who are admitted to any hospital in the WSLHD and identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander have an average rate of diagnosed diabetes of nearly 20%, compared to just 14% in non-Aboriginal people.

(Right) WSD's Diabetes Prevention Officer Aruni Ratnayake with WSLHD Aboriginal Chronic Care nurse Shirley Brown, doing a HbA1c test on Lisa Howlett at the NAIDOC Week event at Riverstone 2023.

From 10am to 3pm, WSD and WSLHD staff be doing finger prick tests during NAIDOC (National Aboriginals’ and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee) Week to measure participant’s blood glucose levels (a HbA1c test) and detect pre-diabetes and diabetes.

All participants will be offered lifestyle change resources and those with pre-diabetes and diabetes will be given a letter and encouraged to see their regular General Practitioner (GP).

The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

WSD was established in response to the growing threat diabetes poses to our community’s health and wellbeing.

It is 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.

WSD is encouraging adults to go to their GP and get a HbA1c blood test if they:

  • Have a family history of diabetes;
  • Have an inactive lifestyle;
  • Are overweight or obese;
  • Had diabetes during a pregnancy; or
  • Have a Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent, African, Asian, South Asian, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background.

Details: 10am-3pm, 1 Mimika Avenue, Whalan, kimberwalli@det.nsw.edu.au