Editorial
K
ia ora koutou. When my husband, who has type 1 diabetes, and I embarked on some holiday travel recently, I was reminded quite abruptly that not only does a change in routine affect blood glucose levels but so do different foods and temperatures, amounts of exercise, sleep, and stress. I’m very pleased that we included the cost of a Continuous Glucose Monitor in our travel budget. The alarm function proved its worth several times over. Fortunately, we were in a position to be able to cover the cost of the CGM. I’m extremely grateful to all those who have, and continue to, advocate for funded access to CGMs for all. Your financial circumstances should not dictate the levels of health care you receive, and I congratulate Diabetes NZ, its partners, and the community advocates in their pursuit of equity and accessibility. I look forward to Pharmac’s announcement eagerly. Our travels also reminded me that our wider diabetes community provides valuable support, knowledge, understanding, and education. Whether it be online groups, local support networks, family camps, whānau, workplace education, or simply a listening ear, our personal ‘villages’ can make a difference for New Zealanders affected by diabetes. By continuing to ask about others or share our own stories, experiences, and knowledge, Diabetes NZ – and each one of us – might just make the difference. I hope you enjoy the contents of this edition and are able to share it with someone in your community. In this issue, we meet Milan Moala, an awesome rangatahi from Tāmaki Makaurau who has won an award for his slam poetry. We chat with a man who has walked 30 Rotorua marathons and plans to make it up to 50 finishes. We find out the important work the Diabetes NZ crew does when out in the mobile van, testing, educating, and advocating. Spring is just around the corner and is the perfect time of year to meet up with like-minded people and head out for a stroll together. Walking with a group is one of the cheapest forms of exercise, with surprising health benefits. We talk to a number of people who are thriving after joining local walking groups. Happy hīkoi! LYNDAL LUDLOW
Advisory Chair, Diabetes NZ
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Spring 2024
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 ensure every person living in Aotearoa New Zealand with diabetes or at risk of diabetes has equitable access to affordable, quality diabetes care and education. Across the country, Diabetes NZ has staff and volunteers who help people live well with diabetes. Join us today at www.diabetes.org.nz
DIABETES NEW ZEALAND Patron Professor Sir Jim Mann 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 12441, Wellington 6144 Telephone 04 499 7145 Freephone 0800 342 238 Email info@diabetes.org.nz Web diabetes.org.nz Facebook facebook.com/diabetesnz Instagram instagram.com/diabetes_nz
DIABETES WELLNESS MAGAZINE Editor Rowena Fry editor@diabetes.org.nz Publisher Diabetes New Zealand Design Rose Miller, Kraftwork Print Blue Star Magazine delivery address changes Freepost Diabetes NZ, PO Box 12 441, Wellington 6144 Telephone 0800 342 238 Email info@diabetes.org.nz Back issues issuu.com/diabetesnewzealand ISSN 2537-7094 (Print) ISSN 2538-0885 (Online)
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Head of Business Development Jo Chapman Email jo@diabetes.org.nz Telephone 021 852 054 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.
