Editorial
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n our winter Diabetes Wellness magazine, we focused on our time at Level 4 during the pandemic and the stress this put on people, especially those with diabetes. The recent lockdown of Auckland has shown how unpredictable this virus is and the need for us to be agile in our ability to open and close our services. Fortunately, the increased use of technology and the recent investment in our digital platform has meant that at Diabetes NZ we have been able to positively respond regardless of the restrictions imposed by Covid-19. Our new online services may well become permanent adjuncts to our traditional face-toface support networks, but they will not replace them. Our organisation, along with other like organisations, has been aware that the Ministry of Health’s focus is consumed with Covid-19 and that, unfortunately, the focus on diabetes has taken a backward step. This month is Diabetes Awareness Month, so we are keen to ensure that government and the public are made aware that diabetes is also a global pandemic and that of our team of five million, a quarter of a million people in New Zealand have diabetes. We are concerned that current models of care and funding do not provide for the holistic support required by people with longterm conditions, especially when they are adversely affected by large-scale public health emergencies, as we have experienced this year. The impacts are most likely to fall disproportionately on those already at risk of poorer outcomes and can generate stress levels that have the potential to affect self-management routines and quality of life. It is therefore appropriate that our theme for this year’s Diabetes Month is “Love Don’t Judge”, which encourages all New Zealanders to be kinder and change the way we think and speak about diabetes. In particular, we all need to be aware of how diabetes affects emotional and mental health. On a positive note, we are delighted that Pharmac has announced its proposal to fund two new medicines for type 2 diabetes. These medications were part of our recent petition and submission to the government, so although the medications will be restricted to people with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk of heart and kidney complications it is a step in the right direction. You can read more about this on page 6. Also in this issue: we chat with White Ferns captain Sophie Devine about her diabetes journey, learn the ins and outs of choosing exercise clothing, and offer an array of inspiration for delicious and healthy summer meals. We also find out what exciting research into diabetes is going on here and around the world, as well as hear from members of our community who are doing incredible fundraising and advocacy work for diabetes. We wish all our readers a summer free of Covid-19 restrictions and the opportunity to mix and mingle with whānau and friends. HEATHER VERRY
Chief Executive, Diabetes NZ
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Summer 2020
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.
