Tackling table sugar – World Diabetes Day
Outback Stores is hosting four Nutrition and Dietetic students from Monash University who have been working on a project for the past 8 weeks to develop key potential recommendations to reduce the consumption of table sugar in remote communities.
Each year Outback Stores’ nutrition policy contributes to a reduction in the sale of sugary drinks in communities, as well as increased sales of fresh fruit and vegetables. However table sugar remains one of the key contributors to sugar consumption in remote communities.
Ciara, Jasmine, Maryam and Adelaide started their research scoping the available literature and from there gathered information by conducting face to face interviews in community and investigating company sales data.
They visited remote communities to meet community members, discuss table sugar usage and run nutrition education sessions with the local schools.
They identified that the most common usage of table sugar in communities is with tea, coffee and cereal, and are working on suggested alternatives as part of their project.
The students from Monash University hope that the recommendations from their project may reduce sugar intake in remote communities, which is the primary cause of type 2 diabetes.
Photos
Top: Preparing healthy snack alternatives
Bottom: Information sessions for local schools
1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes. Over 90% have type 2 diabetes. Close to half are not yet diagnosed.
– WorldDiabetesDay.org
November 14 is World Diabetes Day, a global occasion on which people with diabetes, health professionals, diabetes advocates, media, the general public and government organisations unite to raise awareness of diabetes.
Every year, the World Diabetes Day campaign focuses on a dedicated theme that runs for one or more years. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-23 is Access to Diabetes Care.
The slogan for the 2023 campaign is: Know your risk, Know your response
Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% of all diabetes. Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes involves a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial as overweight and obesity increases the risk. Even a small weight loss can make a big difference. Regular screenings and check-ups, especially for people with one or more of the risk factors, can detect early signs and help individuals make the necessary changes to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
For the latest news from the peak national medical and scientific body in Australia for diabetes, visit https://www.diabetessociety.com.au/
Photos
Top:
Bottom: Monash students visiting remote communities in Central Arnhem Land