Editorial
W
e’ve all learnt a lot over the last few years about the importance of human connections. As a parent, wife, and member of the wider diabetes whānau, it’s become increasingly obvious that being in touch with the right professionals, services, and support groups is vital. As Diabetes NZ’s vision to introduce Hauora Kaimahi – Diabetes Community Coordinators – becomes a reality in more areas across the motu, we look forward to helping people affected by diabetes connect to the things they need to live well. It’s imperative that our community has timely, culturally appropriate, and informed access to medicines, technologies, and support when they need it. To that end, we also hope that the new health reforms, with their community focus, will connect with Diabetes NZ’s own efforts. Access to the best tools for living well seems an obvious requirement. It’s not only about life-changing benefits for individuals and their whānau but also about cost savings for the health system. The fact that we’re still advocating for funded access to simple, affordable, life-changing CGM technology for people with diabetes is frustrating. However, we won’t stop. We’ll continue to advocate to politicians, Pharmac, health professionals, and the general public. We urge our supporters to also keep raising the issue with GPs, pharmacists, and anyone who will listen. In this issue, you’ll find more about our Hauora Kaimahi initiative, as well as an explainer about the reforms to our health system that came into effect on 1 July. We also profile some inspiring young people living with type 1, including Aotearoa’s newest International Diabetes Federation Young Leader, Laura Snowden, and the 2021 John McLaren Youth Award winners. All of them have something to say on the topic of CGMs! On another note, spring is in the air and soon pollen will be as well. In this issue, we look at how hayfever can affect diabetes. More positively, it’s also the perfect season to grow and cook your own greens. You’ll find articles on this and much more inside. LYNDAL LUDLOW
Advisory Chair, Diabetes NZ
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Spring 2022
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 us today at www.diabetes.org.nz
DIABETES NEW ZEALAND 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 12441, Wellington 6144 Telephone 04 499 7145 Freephone 0800 342 238 Email info@diabetes.org.nz Web diabetes.org.nz Facebook facebook.com/diabetesnz Instagram instagram.com/diabetes_nz
DIABETES WELLNESS MAGAZINE Editor Johanna Knox editor@diabetes.org.nz Publisher Diabetes New Zealand Design Rose Miller, Kraftwork Print Blue Star Magazine delivery address changes Freepost Diabetes NZ, PO Box 12441, Wellington 6144 Telephone 0800 342 238 Email info@diabetes.org.nz Back issues issuu.com/diabetesnewzealand ISSN 2537-7094 (Print) ISSN 2538-0885 (Online)
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Business Development Manager Jo Chapman Email jo@diabetes.org.nz Telephone 021 852 054 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.
