DAM 2023

DIABETES ACTION MONTH WRAP

Diabetes Action Month 2022 was a hugely successful awareness and education campaign to support all people living with diabetes in New Zealand. We report back from the month of action.

The theme for Diabetes Action Month 2022 was Diabetes Matters. More than 290,000 New Zealanders are now living with diabetes, and that number is predicted to rise exponentially over the next 20 years. Diabetes matters now more than ever.

For the first time, Diabetes Action Month 2022 was split into four subthemes: Language Matters, Nutrition Matters, Movement Matters, and Prevention Matters Each week, we focused on a different area that matters to people living with diabetes.

DIABETES MATTERS PODCAST

For Diabetes Action Month 2022, we introduced a brandnew podcast series featuring a number of high-profile guests. The podcast series highlighted helpful information for everyone, including people living with diabetes, those at risk, and friends and family who provide vital support. Each week, we released a new episode based on one of our key subthemes. The podcasts featured tips on what to eat, steps you can take to avoid diabetes complications, tools for supporting people living with diabetes, and staying active when you have diabetes.

If you missed out on the podcast series during Diabetes Action Month, you can check it out now on YouTube, Spotify, iHeartRADIO, Google Podcasts, iTunes, and Omny.

SNEAKER FRIDAY

Sneaker Friday was a great success in 2022, raising more than $19,000 to support people living with diabetes. With the number of New Zealanders living with diabetes rising to 290,000 this year, these funds are more crucial than ever before.

Kiwis across the country rocked their kicks on 18 November. Among them were some familiar faces, including radio and TV presenter Toni Street, and ZM host Clint Roberts. Thank you to everyone who got involved and donated. We are especially grateful for your support in what was a challenging year, and we look forward to bringing you Sneaker Friday 2023!

The team at National Office laced up their favourite kicks for Sneaker Friday.

LANGUAGE MATTERS RESOURCE

This Diabetes Action Month, we wanted to change the kōrero and shine a light on the words we use to talk about diabetes.

We know that words are powerful. The words we choose to talk to or about people with diabetes are important, especially when they’re our friends or whānau. Our words can be the difference between someone feeling empowered and motivated about their diabetes, and them feeling misunderstood or excluded. Similarly, the words people living with diabetes use to talk about themselves can have a huge impact. So, as part of Diabetes Action Month 2022, we developed a new resource to help Kiwis talk about diabetes in a way that is supportive and inclusive.

To learn more, visit www.diabetesactionmonth.org.nz

HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE E-BOOK

This year, Diabetes NZ teamed up with Healthy Food Guide to create a special e-book, all about Diabetes Matters.

The e-book features information on language, movement, nutrition, and prevention, as well as information to help Kiwis understand diabetes. This wonderful resource was included in the November issue of Healthy Food Guide and is also featured as an e-book on the Diabetes Action Month website.

#CHANGEMAKERS

During Diabetes Action Month, we were thrilled to be supported by a special group of #changemakers for diabetes – inspirational New Zealanders who are fighting to make change and improve the lives of Kiwis living with diabetes. This included well-known New Zealanders, medical experts, researchers, and amazing people from our diabetes community.

Dr Bryan Betty

Dave Letele

Eddie Writes

Sir Prof Jim Mann

Meghan Whelan

Vince Harder and Abby Lee Harder

LOCAL EVENTS

A number of wonderful events took place across the country during Diabetes Action Month. Thanks for coming along, sharing your photos, and helping us raise awareness of why Diabetes Matters. Check out some of the highlights.

1. Connor Allnutt fundraiser in Timaru (see story on page 12).

2. Whānau Days were held in Auckland, with live entertainment, food, and fun.

3. Do Blue Days were held at many schools around Aotearoa, including Tahuna School, Waikato.

4. Reuben O'Neill and Dave Letele on the Movement Matters podcast.

5. Fun at Whānau Day in Otahuhu.

Diabetes NZ is grateful to everyone who helped make Diabetes Action Month 2022 a success, raising both funds and awareness to support Kiwis with diabetes to live well. Together with our partners, supporters, and diabetes whānau, Diabetes NZ has shown Aotearoa that diabetes matters to everyone.

Ko to mate huka te mea nui | diabetes matters for everyone.