Editorial
K
ia ora koutou! Welcome to a new year, a new season, and new opportunities. I usually begin a new year with great enthusiasm and with a few goals and ambitions in mind, but I have to admit to taking a more tempered approach for 2021. I am very mindful of the challenges and opportunities that 2020 brought for so many of us. Covid-19 is changing our world in many ways – and certainly when it comes to health care. For example, it has highlighted the need for accurate and timely information that is easily accessible for those who need it. Diabetes NZ works hard to be a reliable and accurate source of information and advice, and it was encouraging to see how quickly staff were able to keep up with the ever-changing circumstances last year. But despite how well the entire “team of 5 million” has done and how lucky we have been, for many people, Covid-19 has taken a toll on mental health. In the diabetes community, there has been understandable heightened anxiety. Our 2020 Diabetes Awareness Month (DAM) theme – love don’t judge – focusing on mental health, was a timely reminder that the diabetes community is no place for judgement. Each of us has our own story, and Diabetes NZ is there to support, encourage, and assist both on a practical level and in the offices of decision-makers. Now, in 2021, as I look to how the Advisory Council can work to advocate for our diverse diabetes community, I also look to how my own family will be supported as we send our type 1 teenager off to tertiary study away from home. Many families around the country will be in the same situation right now. Having been under the excellent services of the paediatric team for our entire diabetes lives, we are now discharged from their care and enter the world of adult diabetes services in a new city. Change is exciting and often rewarding, so I look forward to Mr Type 1 gaining even greater independence for his life-long interactions with the health care system. I will certainly be paying even more attention to how the Advisory Council can keep abreast of this transition for all of our diabetes community. This issue of Diabetes Wellness contains a round-up of our highly successful DAM campaign on page 14, as well as a report on the Challengers Dinner, a glittering fundraising event featuring many sporting celebrities. There is a focus on youth throughout the issue, along with all our usual healthy living articles, plus a test your diabetes knowledge quiz on page 36. I wish you all the best for 2021. Let’s look after ourselves and each other. LYNDAL LUDLOW
Advisory Chair, Diabetes NZ
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Autumn 2021
Diabetes New Zealand is a national charity that provides trusted leadership, information, advocacy, and support to people with diabetes, their families, and those at risk. Our mission is to provide support for all New Zealanders with diabetes, or at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, to live full and active lives. We have a network of branches across the country that offer diabetes information and support in their local communities. Join today at www.diabetes.org.nz
DIABETES NEW ZEALAND Patron Sir Eion Edgar Board Chair Catherine Taylor Chief Executive Heather Verry Diabetes New Zealand National Office Level 10, 15 Murphy Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 Postal address PO Box 12 441, Wellington 6144 Telephone 04 499 7145 Freephone 0800 342 238 Email admin@diabetes.org.nz Web diabetes.org.nz Facebook facebook.com/diabetesnz Twitter twitter.com/diabetes_nz
DIABETES WELLNESS MAGAZINE Editor Johanna Knox editor@diabetes.org.nz Publisher Diabetes New Zealand Design Rose Miller, Kraftwork Print Inkwise Magazine delivery address changes Freepost Diabetes NZ, PO Box 12 441, Wellington 6144 Telephone 0800 342 238 Email admin@diabetes.org.nz Back issues issuu.com/diabetesnewzealand ISSN 2537-7094 (Print) ISSN 2538-0885 (Online)
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Business Development Manager Jo Chapman jo@diabetes.org.nz or +64 21 852 054 Download the Diabetes Wellness media kit: http://bit.ly/2uOYJ3p Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure accuracy, but Diabetes NZ accepts no liability for errors of fact or opinion. Information in this publication is not intended to replace advice by your health professional. Editorial and advertising material do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or Diabetes NZ. Advertising in Diabetes Wellness does not constitute endorsement of any product. Diabetes NZ holds the copyright of all editorial. No article, in whole or in part, should be reprinted without permission of the Editor.
