Western Sydney Diabetes Marks 10 Years of Fighting the Disease

Reprinted from Blacktown News with thanks:

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD), a pioneering initiative by the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) that has made significant strides in combating diabetes in the region.

The Challenge:

Western Sydney was identified as a diabetes hotspot, with skyrocketing health costs and a massive social impact on sufferers and their families. WSLHD determined ignoring the problem was not an option.

The Scope of the Problem:

• Nearly 58% of adults aged 16 and over in Blacktown City are overweight or obese.
• An alarming 30,341 children in Blacktown City are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for chronic health problems in the future.
• Postcode 2148 in Blacktown has more than three times the rate of diabetes (7.3%) compared to postcode 2088 in Mosman (2.2%) on the North Shore.

The Solution:

Ten years ago, the “Beating Diabetes Together” initiative was launched. This program continues to be a force for positive change, promoting healthier lifestyles and helping residents avoid diabetes.