Health

Healthy Living Toongabbie Forum: Beyond Blood Sugar – Why Your Liver Matters

June 17, 2026

Have you heard of fatty liver disease, and do you know its connection to diabetes?

Many people living in Western Sydney particularly within multicultural communities — are at increased risk of both conditions.

To help raise awareness, Healthy Living Toongabbie (HLT) is hosting a free community health forum on Thursday, June 18, featuring local health experts sharing practical and trusted advice.

Healthy Living Toongabbie was formed six years ago in collaboration with Western Sydney Diabetes by a group of passionate health professionals, business owners and residents concerned about the growing number of people in the community living with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.

The organisation is dedicated to educating the community about diabetes prevention, healthier food choices and lifestyle changes that can improve long-term health.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to process glucose properly. If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to serious long-term complications including heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss and foot problems.

HLT President Dr Shivani Moodley, a General Practitioner at Myrai Medical Centre, said Western Sydney’s high diabetes rates, culturally diverse high-risk populations and rising levels of metabolic disease have created the perfect conditions for fatty liver disease to become a growing health issue.

“In our community, we talk a lot about sugar and diabetes — but very few people understand the important role the liver plays in overall health,” Dr Moodley said.

“Fatty liver disease is often silent and has no symptoms, meaning liver damage can occur quietly for years before diagnosis.

“This forum is about helping people understand what is happening inside their bodies and what simple steps they can take to improve their health.”

Guest speakers at the forum include:

  • Dr Sarah Parry, Endocrinologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital;
  • Dr Mehreen Alamgir, Baulkham Hills Radiology;
  • Priya Iyer, Dietitian; and
  • Viraj Desai, Exercise Physiologist.

Dr Moodley said the free one-evening forum has been specifically designed for the local community, with experts explaining the complex relationship between diabetes, liver health and overall wellbeing in an easy-to-understand way.

“Our specialists will explain what fatty liver disease is, how it can be detected through a simple ultrasound scan, and what diet and exercise changes can make the biggest difference,” she said.

“You will hear practical advice about food choices that help reduce liver fat, the types of movement that improve insulin sensitivity, and when to speak to your GP about getting checked.

“Come with your questions and bring your family.”

The Western Sydney Diabetes initiative is led by Western Sydney Local Health District and Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WentWest) to address the growing diabetes hotspot across the region.

Event Details
6.30pm–8.30pm
Thursday, June 18
Toongabbie Sports Club
12 Station Road, Toongabbie

Register:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/diabetes-and-the-liver-beyond-blood-sugar-why-your-liver-matters-tickets-1989363092562?aff=oddtdtcreator
Visit: www.healthylivingtoongabbie.org
Inquiries: support@healthylivingtoongabbie.org.au

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