The 2kg Challenge encourages people to improve their health through small, manageable lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 30 per cent.
WSDs Director, Professor Glen Maberly said small, consistent lifestyle changes can help prevent diabetes. WSD recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
“You don’t need to overhaul your life all at once, every bit of exercise and every healthy choice counts, that’s why the 2kg Challenge is about more than weight loss, it is about embracing lifestyle changes that we can sustain every day,” Prof Maberly said.
“Diabetes can often be prevented if you act early, through increasing your physical activity, eating a healthy diet and losing weight.
“However, if you do develop diabetes you need to make sure you are getting regular blood tests and working with your GP to ensure you are using the appropriate medications and keeping your blood sugars under control.”
The 2kg Challenge is part of an initiative by the Western Sydney Changing Diabetes collaboration which was launched in 2022 between Western Sydney Diabetes, Workers Lifestyle Group and pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk.
The Western Sydney Primary Health Network, WentWest, is also supporting this year’s 2kg Challenge and Director of Primary Care & Transformation, Jane Assange, said the network will launch the campaign across its general practices in the Blacktown area.
“By encouraging small, manageable lifestyle changes, we can make a significant impact on diabetes prevention in our community,” Ms Assange said.
“This challenge not only raises awareness but also provides essential resources and support to help individuals make lasting, healthy lifestyle changes.
“Together, we can make a significant difference in diabetes prevention and the overall wellbeing of western Sydney.”
Workers Lifestyle Group Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Stewart said his team is committed to the 2kg Challenge, with the group launching the initiative to its staff and members.
“As Western Sydney Diabetes has shown us, so much can be done to manage Type 2 diabetes by early detection and simple lifestyle changes,” Mr Stewart said.
Western Sydney Diabetes is a collaborative initiative led by the Western Sydney Local Health District and Western Sydney Primary Health Network, in partnership with Diabetes Australia and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
To register for the 2kg Challenge, visit www.2kgchallenge.com.au