Editorial: Diabetes Wellness Winter 2023

This quarter has been extremely challenging, but, at the same time, heart-warming in how the diabetes community has engaged and supported one another across Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will find an article in this month’s Wellness about Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle in February, which devastated the east coast from Northland down to Wairoa. Over the five days, there were 11 fatalities and an estimated 10,000 people displaced, and, since then, insurance claims have passed $1 billion. Watching the news footage on the impact of the sudden deluge of rain in Auckland, Coromandel, and Northland was simply incredible. What followed in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti showed even more devastation, but how the diabetes community sprang into action to provide support and care packages was just fantastic.

Our experience has shown over the last few years, with pandemics and climatic devastation, that when people with diabetes are put under such incredible stress they reach out to Diabetes NZ and our community, either for information or assistance. This reinforces our ‘reason for being’, because each time it is a learning curve for us as well and we need to show that we can be agile and respond appropriately to the need.

From an operational perspective, Diabetes NZ is continuing to extend its reach into our communities with nine Diabetes Community Coordinators across the motu. We are excited by the partnerships we have developed with Primary Health Organisations, Māori Health Providers, iwi, and Pacific Health Providers. Together, we are strong and able to collaboratively work together within communities to support those at risk of, and with, diabetes. Our success will be measured by people with type 2 diabetes who engage with their health providers to better manage their diabetes and prevent the onset of complications.

There are many changes occurring within the health system, and most recent is the next stage of transformation being launched by Te Whatu Ora. The changes are significant as they merge 29 entities into a single health system. Their proposed new structure follows a life course approach to focus on their mahi by designing a health system that supports good health, not just treat illness. Diabetes NZ is keeping a watching brief on its progress to ensure diabetes is at the forefront of any decisions on consistent and equitable healthcare being made.

Winter is now upon us, and we hope all our readers keep warm and healthy during this time. We would like to remind you that you can now book in for your Covid-19 and flu vaccinations.

In this issue of Diabetes Wellness, we feature a couple of greatgrandparents: one who helps guide those living with type 2 diabetes, and another who, with a change of diet, has managed to send her type 2 into remission. We cover the five fun family camps held around the country over summer, we meet a Kiwi opera singer who is based in Frankfurt, and in the recipe section you will find some low carb and creative ideas for wrap bread. We’re sure you’ll find plenty that informs and inspires.

HEATHER VERRY Chief Executive, Diabetes NZ