DAM 2021

DIABETES ACTION MONTH 2021: STEP UP FOR DIABETES

November is Diabetes Action Month, and our theme this year is simple and powerful.

Diabetes Action Month is Diabetes New Zealand’s annual public health and awareness campaign, encouraging everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand to take action for diabetes. We’re excited to introduce this year’s theme – Step Up for Diabetes – encouraging everyone to focus on that often neglected, but so vital, part of the body: the foot.

As ever, the entire month of November will be packed with community events, fun challenges, and informative discussions around the country.

PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

It’s widely known that those living with any type of diabetes are at an increased risk of foot problems. This is because, over time, high blood glucose can damage your nerves and blood vessels, which can cause circulation issues and loss of feeling in your feet.

Earlier this year, the report The Economic and Social Cost of Type 2 Diabetes found that diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in New Zealand, with diabetes in Aotearoa forecast to rise dramatically over the next 20 years. But the report contained good news as well. It found that regular foot checks and better foot care could prevent more than 600 diabetes-related amputations every year.

Heather Verry, CEO of Diabetes NZ, says, ‘This Diabetes Action Month, we will be focusing on foot health. We’re reaching out to the quarter of a million New Zealanders with diabetes and seeking to empower them with information on how to take care of their feet to avoid preventable amputations.

‘We will also be calling on all New Zealanders to Step Up to prevent type 2 diabetes from increasing by 70% to 90% over the next 20 years – as forecast in the report The Economic and Social Cost of Type 2 Diabetes – and to help those already living with all types of diabetes to live well.’

5 DAILY STEPS FOR YOUR FEET

Here are five daily steps that everyone with diabetes can take to reduce the risk of foot problems:

1. Get to know your feet, so you can spot any changes. Check for any redness, cracks, swelling, bruises, blisters, corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails, using a mirror on the floor if it helps. If you notice any changes in your feet, big or small, tell your podiatrist, doctor, or diabetes nurse as soon as possible so they can advise the best form of treatment quickly.

2. Wash, dry, and moisturise your feet. Take special care to gently dry between your toes and avoid moisturising this area to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

3. Wear socks and well-fitting footwear, inside and outside, to protect your feet. If you don't wear shoes indoors, have a pair of indoor-only slippers you can always put on. These should be covered slippers, not open, and have a hard sole that will keep your feet safe from anything sharp. As for shoes, broad, deep sports shoes are often a good option. And the best socks are cotton or woollen ones that are not too tight.

4. Be careful with heat – if you have loss of feeling, it’s easier to burn your feet and not realise. Be mindful with heaters, and always check the temperature with your elbow before you get in a hot bath or shower.

5. Look after your nails by cutting them straight across and not too short. Gently file any sharp edges. A podiatrist should cut your nails for you if you have numbness.

Living well with diabetes is the best way to reduce your risk of foot problems. This includes managing blood glucose levels, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and staying active. You can also help avoid foot issues by not smoking and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in check.

For more tips on how to look after your feet, visit www.diabetesactionmonth.org.nz.

19 NOVEMBER IS…

Wear sneakers to work and fundraise for diabetes.

Sneaker Friday is an exciting new fundraising event for Diabetes Action Month, encouraging New Zealanders to Step Up for Diabetes by wearing sneakers to work. Taking place on Friday, 19 November, all New Zealand workplaces are invited to get involved.

To take part, you or your workplace can donate $5 to Diabetes New Zealand at givealittle.co.nz/event/sneakerfriday-2021 and wear your sneakers to work on Sneaker Friday. It’s your opportunity to step up for New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing health crisis, raising awareness of diabetes and making a real difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders living with diabetes. Let your bosses and colleagues know!

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

Join the kōrero

Following on from the success of last year’s Diabetes Action Month Facebook Live sessions, we’re once again inviting the diabetes community to join us for two very special Facebook Lives to celebrate Diabetes Action Month.

WEDNESDAY, 3 NOVEMBER: All about footcare

Join us to learn why footcare is important for people with all types of diabetes, how to look after your feet at home, and what to look out for. Plus ask our podiatrist any of your feet-related questions!

WEDNESDAY, 17 NOVEMBER: 100 Years of Insulin

We’re celebrating this year’s World Diabetes Day theme, 100 years of insulin. We’ll discuss the invention of insulin, technology developments over the past 100 years, and what developments might look like in the future. Most of all, we will be celebrating this life-saving class of drugs and what it’s like living on insulin.

Mr Vintage ChariTEE

Mr Vintage has developed a new ChariTEE for Diabetes Action Month 2021. In line with the Step Up for Diabetes theme, the new design champions the tagline Big journeys start with small steps to encourage all New Zealanders to take a step in the right direction for diabetes.

This year’s awesome design will be available on t-shirts, socks, and tote bags. Check out the Mr Vintage website www.mrvintage.co.nz to order yours, with 25% of all sales going to support Diabetes New Zealand.

Visit our Diabetes Action Month website for activities and events near you – diabetesactionmonth.org.nz

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY