National Diabetes Week – What did we get up to?

Last month (13-19 July) was National Diabetes Week, and this year’s theme was prevention. Early action can make a big difference – and at Western Sydney Diabetes, a proud partner of the 2kg Challenge, we put that into practice. 

Westpoint Wellness Expo  

We teamed up with Westpoint Shopping Centre, Blacktown to run free health checks. At our stall, people could get a free blood test called HbA1c, which shows your average blood sugar over the past three months.  

Here’s what we found: 

• 489 people got tested 
• 125 people (26%) had results that may mean they’re at risk of pre-diabetes – and almost half didn’t know they were at risk. 
• 84 people (17%) had results that may mean they’re at risk of diabetes – including 10 people who had no idea 

That means about 4 in 10 people tested had signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes. 

This shows how important early checks are – especially in Western Sydney, where we know diabetes is more common. But the good news is: when people know their risk, they can take steps to stay well. 

Couldn’t Make It to the Expo? 

You can still check your health. Visit your GP and ask about the HbA1c blood test.
It’s free once a year with Medicare. Your doctor can help you understand your results and what to do next.
Click here to find a GP near you.  

Supporting Our Integrated & Community Health (ICH) Staff
We also offered free HbA1c testing to staff at the ICH office in Blacktown Hospital. Over 30 staff members took part.
Knowing your HbA1c result is an important step in understanding your health. Whether your result is in the normal, pre-diabetes, or diabetes range, it can help guide your next steps. 

Launching the 2kg Challenge at ICH
We officially launched the 2kg Challenge with ICH staff, too. We want to lead by example and build healthy habits at work.
Did you know that losing just 2 kilograms can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 30 percent? It’s simple, achievable, and something we can all do together.  

Raising Awareness Across Sydney

Professor Glen Maberly, Director of Western Sydney Diabetes, presented at the Prediabetes: Call to Action event at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.  

He talked about the 2kg Challenge and shared new research on how to prevent and manage pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain. 

Have You Seen Your GP Recently? 

Preventing type 2 diabetes – or managing any type of diabetes – starts with knowing your health.
Ask your GP about the HbA1c test. It’s a simple blood test that: 

→Shows your average blood sugar
→Helps you and your doctor understand your risk
→Is free once a year with Medicare
→Can guide your next steps

If you haven’t had this test lately, now is a great time. Knowing your health now can help you make changes early and avoid problems later.   

Click here to find a GP near you.