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Diabetes Action Month Wrap-Up
We made it to the end of another successful Diabetes Action Month and what an awesome November it was.
Diabetes Action Month 2024 is Diabetes New Zealand’s annual campaign. Held each November, it focuses on raising awareness, education, and advocacy for all individuals living with diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our most recent theme, ‘Don’t Sugar Coat Diabetes’, aimed to promote a greater understanding of diabetes by busting common myths to reduce stigma and improve the lives of those living with the condition. Throughout November, the campaign encouraged Kiwis to learn the facts, get tested, and show more aroha/love to those living with diabetes.
We introduced several new initiatives to bust misinformation about diabetes. These included a myth-busting video series, posters, and a dedicated Don’t Sugar Coat Diabetes website. We also created digital billboards in malls nationwide, recorded a podcast, and shared news stories.
Our campaign was focused on educating Kiwis about the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and finding out their own risk of developing it by taking the Know Your Risk quiz. This was based on the knowledge that early detection leads to better outcomes.
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.
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.
MAKING HEADLINES
A high-profile publicity campaign saw diabetes in the news headlines throughout Diabetes Action Month, with stories appearing on 1 News, RNZ, Newstalk ZB, Radio Samoa, Whakaata Māori, Pacific Media Network, and more.
Much of the news coverage addressed the increase in the incidence of diabetes based on the latest figures from the Virtual Diabetes Register (VDR).*
Some media commented on Diabetes NZ’s concern with the lack of clarity with the data, as the register does not recognise the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Other coverage shared important information about the stigma associated with diabetes, busted myths, and increased awareness of symptoms, linking back to the theme Don’t Sugar Coat Diabetes
*The VDR uses an algorithm to identify those with diabetes in data extracted from hospital inpatient and outpatient, laboratory test type, and pharmaceutical dispensing data collections.
SNEAKER FRIDAY SUCCESS
Sneaker Friday, held on November 15, once again helped raise funds to support those living with diabetes. Many Kiwis nationwide chose to step up and step out in their favourite kicks.
Diabetes NZ is grateful to everyone who participated and donated.
