EDITORIAL: Summer 2020

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

Heather Verry