Editorial
K
ia ora koutou. The launch of The Economic and Social Cost of Type 2 Diabetes report at Parliament on 15 March was a highlight for Diabetes New Zealand. The report found New Zealand has a serious and growing type 2 diabetes problem, and it predicts the number of people with type 2 diabetes will increase by 70% to 90% within the next 20 years. The prevalence of diabetes in New Zealand and the chronic downstream health complications mark diabetes as this country’s most serious long-term health challenge. We know the personal and social costs are enormous, as is the vast cost to our health system. We also know the impact the condition has not only on individuals but on whānau. There is a need to change New Zealand’s model of care for people with diabetes. We are hopeful the information presented in the report, coupled with the proposed changes to the health system as a result of recent announcements by the Minister of Health, Hon Andrew Little, will result in the development of a long-term conditions strategy that includes a comprehensive plan for the oversight and management of diabetes. Diabetes New Zealand is a small organisation. We recognise that, to achieve better health outcomes for many of those with type 2 diabetes, partnering with other health NGOs such as the Heart Foundation and Arthritis New Zealand will allow us to support a wider range of health initiatives at a local level to reduce the incidence of diabetes, gout, and cardiovascular disease. By partnering, we believe we can more effectively reduce more than one long-term condition. Delivery of services at a local level is, however, the ultimate goal. There is much for us to do. Diabetes New Zealand is just beginning to strengthen its position as a strong advocate for all people with diabetes so we can turn the tide on a health condition that is placing an increasing burden on individuals, whānau, and the health system. In this issue of Diabetes Wellness, we share more about The Economic and Social Cost of Type 2 Diabetes report and begin to explore what the government’s newly announced health reforms might mean for all of us. As the colder months approach, we bring you a feature devoted to healthy winter dinners – and part 2 of our article on caring for your knees while staying active. We answer your questions about the Covid-19 vaccination, and we also celebrate some amazing, determined individuals who are working, fundraising, and advocating for the type 1 and type 2 diabetes communities. Until next time, we wish you all the best. CATHERINE TAYLOR
Board Chair, Diabetes NZ
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2021
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.
