NSW Health has said that diabetes disproportionately impacts lower socio-economic and culturally diverse communities and is up to four times more common in those from Arabic, Asian and Pacific Islands backgrounds and the Aboriginal community.
WSD was established by Western Sydney Local Health District in response to the growing threat diabetes poses to our community’s health.
WSD Prevention Manager Janine Dawson said getting outdoors, keeping active and eating well all contributed to preventing the disease.
“Early detection is key,” she said. “WSD is encouraging adults to go to their GP and get a blood test if they: Have a family history of diabetes; an inactive lifestyle; are overweight; had diabetes during pregnancy; or are from a high-risk cultural group.”
During the talk, Senior Clinical Dietitian Victoria Silvestro will discuss healthy eating on a budget with tips to stretch your food dollar further.
You can also have a fingerprick test on the day to check if you are in danger – it doesn’t require fasting and is a quick indicator of diabetes.
Victoria said we all needed to have a diet rich in the five food groups – vegetables, fruit, grains, dairy and proteins including eggs, nuts, seeds, fish and tofu.
“If left untreated, diabetes can result in heart, kidney, eye and foot damage,” she said.
Free, the talk is on Wednesday, September 20, 2-3.30pm.
More info: cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
