With diabetes affecting a growing number of people in Western Sydney, the condition was the focus of a special event organised by the Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) Health Ministries on June 28.
Held at Mountain View Adventist College, the Diabetes Awareness Lunch gave community members the opportunity to hear from health professionals, who shared practical strategies for prevention and the role of lifestyle medicine in managing—and in some cases reversing—type 2 diabetes.
Ninety-four people attended the event and had the opportunity to participate in optional health screenings, explore health and wellness resource booths, and engage in interactive group discussions. The program also featured presentations from ELIA Lifestyle Medicine Centre lifestyle medicine GP Dr Andrea Matthews, accredited practising dietitian Dr Jane Freeman and GSC Health Ministries director Dr Christiana Leimena-Lehn, who spoke on the Adventist lifestyle advantage.
A key focus of the event was the growing evidence supporting type 2 diabetes remission through lifestyle medicine. Dr Freeman shared practical advice on healthy food choices, reading food labels and understanding ingredients that can support better blood sugar control.
Dr Leimena-Lehn highlighted the prevalence of diabetes in Western Sydney, noting that approximately 13 per cent of adults are living with the condition, compared with 8 to 9 per cent across New South Wales. She also noted that 30 to 40 per cent of adults are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes through pre-diabetes and related metabolic conditions.
Representatives from Diabetes Australia and Abbott also attended, providing information on diabetes management and continuous glucose monitoring technology. Participants received educational resources and practical tools to help them take ongoing steps towards better health.
