Type 2 Diabetes on the Rise in South Western Sydney: Local Support Programs in Action
25 Nov 2025
Community-Focused Support Initiatives
To tackle the growing problem, South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) and the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) have partnered with local general practices to enhance diabetes care. Over the last three years, 53 practices have hosted 157 type 2 diabetes clinics, featuring in-person support from endocrinologists and diabetes educators.
These clinics aim to upskill GPs in managing complex diabetes cases, reducing the need for hospital referrals. In addition, telehealth case conferencing allows GPs to access specialist endocrinology advice quickly.
SWSPHN also supports free patient education sessions and collaborates with local exercise physiologists to offer small group exercise programs. Many of these sessions are bulk-billed, ensuring accessibility for patients.
Understanding the Scale of the Problem
According to self-reported 2021 census data, 61,086 people in South Western Sydney live with diabetes, translating to 6.4 per 100 people, higher than the NSW average of 4.8. Numbers are projected to rise to 127,481 by 2036.
Data from the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) shows that in 2021, 72,190 people in SWS were registered, with 88.2% having type 2 diabetes, 7.3% type 1 diabetes, and 3.7% gestational diabetes. Fairfield has the highest proportion of registrants (8.1%), with some postcodes reaching 9%, while Liverpool and Campbelltown also have elevated rates, including one postcode with 14.3% of residents registered.
The rising rates of diabetes are linked to population growth in high-risk groups, socio-economic factors, and lifestyle patterns. Lower-income areas often have higher rates of diabetes due to limited access to nutritious food, fewer opportunities for physical activity, and reduced health literacy.
Certain culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, including individuals born in Polynesia and Melanesia, and First Nations people, are at higher risk. Health messaging may not always be accessible, with some materials written at reading levels that reduce patient understanding.
Health Impacts and Hospitalisations
South Western Sydney also reports higher rates of gestational diabetes (3.7%) compared to the national rate of 2.9%. Diabetes-related hospitalisations and preventable admissions are consistently higher in the region than the rest of NSW. In 2020–21, Campbelltown recorded the highest rate of preventable hospitalisations at 242 per 100,000 population.
Diabetes-related deaths in 2021 were 34.3 per 100,000, above the NSW average of 28.4. Over the past decade, age-adjusted death rates in SWS have remained consistently higher than the state average.
Resources and Support for Patients and GPs
Residents and healthcare providers can access a range of programs and resources to support diabetes prevention and management:
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SWSPHN diabetes reports, plans, and documents
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Telehealth case conferencing for GPs
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Type 2 diabetes clinics and education sessions
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Group exercise classes
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Health Resource Directory for diabetes
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Get Healthy NSW and Healthy Meal Ideas
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Diabetes Australia support services
These initiatives aim to empower patients, upskill healthcare providers, and reduce the impact of diabetes across the community.
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) / South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD)
