Parramatta Town Hall lights up to raise awareness of diabetes

Health experts are reminding people a sustained weight loss of two kilograms may be all it takes to stop the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is partnering with Parramatta City Council for National Diabetes Week to light up the Town Hall in blue to raise awareness of the impact of the disease.

WSLHD Senior Endocrinologist and head of western Sydney Diabetes, Professor Glen Maberly said type 2 diabetes is preventable and very responsive to lifestyle and dietary changes.

“New data from a study of patients across 11 local General Practices (GPs) – supported by Western Sydney Primary Health Network – revealed that of the 6,000 people tested, 26 per cent had pre-diabetes and 17 per cent were likely to have type 2 diabetes,” said Professor Maberly.

“I am urging anyone at risk of diabetes to speak with their GP and get tested.”

Between Thursday and Saturday, the iconic Parramatta Town Hall will be floodlit in blue light, the international colour for diabetes. Iconic Sydney locations, including the Opera House and the Luna Park Ferris Wheel, will also glow blue during the week.

City of Parramatta Council Lord Mayor, Cr Andrew Wilson said the City was excited to get behind such a valuable campaign.

“Parramatta is proud to support Diabetes Australia in this important event. By turning our Town Hall blue and putting the spotlight on diabetes we’re hoping to increase awareness about a health condition that affects so many in our community,” Cr Wilson said.

The Western Sydney Local Health District invests approximately $2 million on tackling obesity, including $1.5 million for diabetes prevention and management programs.

More information about National Diabetes Week can be found at https://www.itsabouttime.org.au/ or at https://diabetesnsw.com.au/