Shocking obesity, diabetes statistics prompt alliance formation

With almost 74 per cent of the region in an “unhealthy” weight range and almost 10 per cent suffering from diabetes, crisis talks have begun to stem the concerning statistics.

When it comes to diabetes, the health system is an ambulance at the bottom of a cliff, according to West Moreton Diabetes Alliance chair Rachel Nolan.

With more than six per cent of the region’s population suffering from diabetes, and almost 75 per cent in an “unhealthy” weight range, crisis talks have begun on how to stem those shocking statistics.

The Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN has collaborated with universities around Queensland to form the West Moreton Diabetes Alliance, aimed at encouraging the West Moreton community to make healthy lifestyle decisions and prevent diabetes.

West Moreton Health chief executive Dr Kerrie Freeman. Picture: Ebony Graveur

“We know too that without serious preventative action the incidence of diabetes will grow – leaving local people open to risks of heart disease, stroke and a life of chronic illness and placing unsustainable pressure on the health system,” Ms Nolan said.

“We need to change the poor urban planning, car dependency and overwhelming availability of unhealthy food which is driving the majority of our community to be overweight and potentially unwell.”

The alliance will address four key pillars – leadership and advocacy within the health sector, awareness within the community, access to care for community members and education for health professionals and the community.

CEO of Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN Merrilyn Strohfeldt. Picture: Bev Lacey

West Moreton Health chief executive Dr Kerrie Freeman said that lifestyle changes could have a big impact for people living with chronic conditions like diabetes.

“Currently 74.5 per cent of residents within the West Moreton Health area are not within a healthy weight range, and this compares to the Queensland average of 67.7 per cent,” she said.

“We know excess weight has a major impact on chronic conditions like diabetes.”

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN CEO Merrilyn Strohfeldt said diabetes was the leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in the West Moreton Health region.