EDITORIAL

Diabetes Action Month – November every year – is always exciting, but in 2021 it’s extra special. Two themes run throughout the month. The first is Step Up for Diabetes, which sees our precious (but often neglected!) feet given the attention they deserve. Events around the country, which include our inaugural Sneaker Friday, will encourage people to look after their feet – and give them up-to-date advice on the best ways to do so. As most of us know, this is especially important for everyone with diabetes.

The second strand of Diabetes Action Month 2021 is celebrating 100 years of life-saving insulin. Events to mark the anniversary are taking place all around the world, and Diabetes NZ is proud to be doing our bit to organise celebrations here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this issue, we take a deep dive into both footcare and the history of insulin. And in more good news, we’re announcing our Diabetes NZ Award winners for 2021. You can see this announcement on page 5.

The Diabetes NZ annual awards ‘season’ always gives me the opportunity to admire and learn about New Zealanders who are achieving great things. The John McLaren Youth Awards recognise those young people who are pursuing excellence in their chosen field. Meanwhile, the Diabetes NZ Award and Life Membership Award give us, as an organisation, the chance to recognise achievements over an extended time. Congratulations to those we recognise this year.

Success looks different for each of us. I, for instance, am watching our son, who has type 1, spread his wings as a first year university student – living away from home and navigating the adult diabetes services offered in his new home city.

Others I know are delighted they can post a day-within-range photo on social media or are quietly pleased with themselves for choosing a healthy meal option today. Still others have walked up the stairs instead of taking the lift or perhaps called the Diabetes New Zealand 0800 number for advice.

Every day, we, as part of the diabetes community, can find successes and opportunities. Whatever your success today, large or small, take a moment to be pleased with yourself and your whānau.

Wishing you all a successful Diabetes Action Month. Wear those sneakers with pride and comfort!

LYNDAL LUDLOW, Advisory Chair, Diabetes NZ

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