November 14 – World Diabetes Day

Let’s Talk About Diabetes 

November 14 is World Diabetes Day. It’s a great time to learn (or refresh) what we know about diabetes – and how small changes can make a big difference to our health. 

What is Type 2 Diabetes? 

Type 2 diabetes happens when there is too much sugar in the blood. 

This can happen when your body: 

• Does not make enough insulin, or 
• Cannot use insulin properly 

Insulin is like a key that helps sugar move from your blood into your body, to give you energy. If the key does not work, sugar stays in the blood – and that’s not good. 

Type 2 diabetes often starts slowly, and lots of people do not know they have it. If it’s not looked after, it can lead to serious problems with your heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet. 

To learn more about type 2 diabetes, watch a short video from Western Sydney Diabetes here. 

What is Pre-Diabetes? 

Before someone has diabetes, their blood sugar might be higher than normal. This is called pre-diabetes. 

It’s not diabetes yet – but it’s a warning sign. The good news is you can still take steps to protect your health. 

 You might be more likely to get diabetes if you: 

• Live in Western Sydney 
• Are above a healthy weight, especially around your waist 
• Are over 40 years old 
• Have family members with diabetes 
• Come from certain backgrounds like Pacific Islander, Indian, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, African, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 
• Do not exercise or eat healthy often 
• Had diabetes in pregnancy 
• Smoke 
• Have health issues like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or PCOS 

To learn more about pre- diabetes, watch a short video from Western Sydney Diabetes here. 

The good news?  

Even small changes can make a big difference. 

Just losing 2kg can lower your chance of getting type 2 diabetes by up to 30%!
That’s why you have joined the 2kg Challenge – and you are already on the right track. 

You do not have to do it alone – we are all in this together. 

What We Are Doing This Month 

We know that eating well, moving more, and making healthy choices are important. But we also know it helps when the places we live, work and play support healthy living too. 

That’s why Western Sydney Diabetes – a proud 2kg Challenge partner – is working with over 140 local groups and organisations. Together, we are building a healthier Western Sydney. 

To mark World Diabetes Day, we held a special lunch with our partners at Workers Blacktown. Over 80 people joined us for a day themed “From Nature to Neighbourhoods.” 

We talked about how things like parks, paths, and planning can help make it easier to be active and stay healthy. Health workers, councils, universities, and community groups came together to share ideas and work as a team. 

It was a great day – and just the start of what we can do when we work together!