MYTH-BUSTING During November, we chose to shine a light on the stigma surrounding diabetes, aiming to build a more understanding community. We reached out to the diabetes community, asking for people to participate in a myth-busting survey. Unsurprisingly, nearly three-quarters of the survey respondents replied that they have faced inaccurate comments about their diabetes, leading many to feel judged and offended. In an interview with the NZ Herald, Diabetes NZ Head of Clinical Services, Liz Dutton discussed the survey results and debunked each and every one of these myths. The top three myths from the survey: • Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. • People with diabetes can’t eat sugar. • Only overweight lazy people get diabetes. The three most offensive comments from the survey were: • It’s your own fault you have diabetes. • Only overweight lazy people get diabetes. • Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
How do I lea rn the truth abo ut diabetes? Get the facts !
NEW VIDEO SERIES As part of the Don’t Sugar Coat Diabetes campaign, we challenged New Zealanders to rethink their perceptions of diabetes. Many people with diabetes face unnecessary blame and shame due to the many misunderstandings of the condition. We produced a new video series for the month that busted the most common myths about diabetes. The videos featured on the NZ Herald website throughout the month and were shared across Diabetes NZ’s social media platforms.
NEW PODCAST A podcast with Island Roots, Auckland Ways was created for those living with diabetes or supporting someone who has the condition. In one episode, Aucklander Milan Moala shared his journey with type 1 diabetes, while Iliana Fusitua, Health Promoter from Diabetes NZ, addressed common myths surrounding the condition. This is an engaging and insightful podcast and can be downloaded from Island Roots, Auckland Ways (it’s episode 47) or visit bit.ly/3W9DUy0.
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Autumn 2025
