Diabetes Wellness Winter 2018

wellness

WINTER 2018

DIABETES

DIABETES NEW ZEALAND | DIABETES.ORG.NZ

SAILING INTO DIABETES • WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY • EMOTIONAL EATING • FEET FIRST DIABETES ENTREPRENEURS • FIND YOUR REASON • KENDO QUEEN • EXERCISING WITH FRIENDS

CARING FOR THE CARERS Being kind to your diabetes support person

JAX HAMILTON’S RECIPE FOR A HAPPY LIFE

Be g ood &

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www.zilch.co.nz To the Consumer: This Voucher is non-assignable and is only valid on the following products: Zilch Chocolate, Zilch Vanilla Bean & Zilch Summer Berries. Only one Voucher can be used per product purchased. This Voucher cannot be used or exchanged for any other products, nor redeemed for cash. Copies are not valid, originals only will be accepted and can only be used once. This Voucher must be redeemed by 31/05/2019. This Voucher may not be used in conjunction with any other discount or special offer. This Voucher is issued by Emerald Foods Ltd, please present at your nearest supermarket ranging Zilch™ Ice Cream within New Zealand.

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Contents

Don’t forget to get your winter flu vaccination – it’s free for everyone with diabetes

WINTER 2018 VOLUME 30 | NO 2

4 EDITORIAL

32

26

5 YOUR DIABETES NZ: Here to help 6 UPFRONT: Latest news and views from your society

10 ADVOCATE: Campaign to subsidise the Freestyle Libre 13 PREVENT: Anytime Fitness CEO Richard Ball’s prediabetes story 14 CARE: Caring for the carers

COVER: JAX HAMILTON

16 MY T1 LIFE: My son nearly died at sea from undiagnosed diabetes 19 MY T2 LIFE: Rachel Woodrow, global Ambassador for Fitbit

22 FAMILY: Joyce Tsai – New Zealand’s youngest kendo competitor 24 ASK AN EXPERT: Happy feet with podiatrist Adam Philps

8 COVER: Jax Hamilton on fun, food and family

22

20 COMMUNITY: 2018 Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge

25 COMMUNITY: Christine Kemp’s 15,977 diabetes tests 26 RECIPES: Cooking with Jax

20 34 TECHNOLOGY: New meters

28 EAT: Healthy habits 30 EAT: The link between emotions and over-indulging

35 DONATE: Talking tax credits 36 MOVE: Staying active with a buddy 38 BRANCH DIRECTORY: Your guide to Diabetes NZ branches

32 INSPIRE: Dia-preneur Bridget Scanlan

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THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMPION SPONSORS FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIP

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

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Editorial

During my first 90 days, I spent a lot of time travelling and meeting many volunteers, sponsors, and funders in our diabetes community. I’ve learned about the important part Diabetes NZ plays in this community – and the scale of the task ahead as we improve our services across the country.

We’ve been working to improve our communications. Hopefully you will have seen our vibrant new website www.diabetes.org.nz – it’s been designed to be more visually appealing and easier to navigate. Branches will join it over the next few months as we move towards a more united organisation. We’ve also had a good response to our new-look Connect email newsletter.

I was hugely impressed with the calibre of competitors who turned out to go the extra mile during the recent Fitbit Challenge, and it was a privilege to meet the winner Hamish Walker MP, who has type 1 diabetes and is featured in this issue.

As a charity, Diabetes NZ wouldn’t exist without the generous support of sponsors and high-profile supporters.

We are incredibly lucky to have Sir Eion Edgar as one of our patrons – he not only participated in the Fitbit Challenge but persuaded colleagues to compete and empty their pockets to the tune of $74,000!

I’m also delighted to welcome Anytime Fitness as our new Champion Sponsor. The company has 37 clubs nationwide that will be part of a fundraising drive for Diabetes NZ. Chief executive Richard Ball shares his pre-diabetes story on p13.

The theme of this issue is “carers” and you will hear from some of the families, friends, volunteers, branches, sponsors and health professionals about the role they play in supporting the 250,000+ New Zealanders living with diabetes.

Diabetes NZ also knows the importance of “caring for the carers”. We advocate for better access to diabetes medicines and the latest wearable technology, including the revolutionary Freestyle Libre.

Meanwhile our popular free #1 Jerry the Bear packs have been flying off the shelves. Thanks to recent fundraising efforts, we can now afford to give them to any child with diabetes, not just the newly diagnosed.

As I write, I’m preparing a presentation for a conference at Iritekura Marae in Gisborne. It will bring together the expertise of the community, clinicians and scientists to tackle the epidemic of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

I am sure to learn a lot!

Ka kite ano.

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 Patrons Lady Beattie and Sir Eion Edgar President Deb Connor Chief executive Heather Verry Diabetes New Zealand Inc. National Office Level 7, 15 Murphy Street Thorndon, Wellington 6144 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 Caroline Wood editor@diabetes.org.nz Publisher Diabetes New Zealand Production & distribution Rose Miller, Kraftwork 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 Coordinator Jo Chapman jo@diabetes.org.nz or +64 21 852 054

Download the Diabetes Wellness media kit: http://bit.ly/2uOYJ3p

HEATHER VERRY

Chief Executive, Diabetes New Zealand

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

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.

Your Diabetes NZ

Catherine Taylor, the new chair of Diabetes NZ’s Board, shares her story and vision for the future of Aotearoa’s only national diabetes charity.

HERE TO HELP

C

atherine Taylor knows what it’s like to be a young mother with a newly diagnosed child with diabetes. It was 36 years ago and since then her daughter has grown up and has had a baby herself – but Catherine remembers diagnosis day like it was yesterday.

She knows the importance of having access to timely and trusted information and the right support people around you when you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, whether it’s type 1, type 2, gestational or prediabetes.

“My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14 months. As a family, we have supported her diabetes for 36 years and I’m very well aware of the issues that must be managed by her on a daily basis and the pressure it puts on those helping to support her,” she says.

“Jemima is now the proud mother of a six-year-old daughter and manages her diabetes with the aid of an insulin pump and continuous glucose meter, which have made a huge difference to her quality of life.”

This experience is one reason that Catherine decided to step up and join Diabetes New Zealand’s Board as an independent member in 2016. She was elected chair this year and is responsible for leading the organisation’s governance and strategic direction.

Catherine, who lives near Nelson, remembers feeling very grateful to the Christchurch diabetes society for being there when her family needed them most.

Catherine Taylor knows the issues faced by people living with diabetes and is determined to get a better deal for them and their families.

“As a young mother, the support I personally received from the Christchurch society to help me come to terms with the condition and support my daughter was invaluable. My thirst for information and advice at that time was insatiable. I will never forget that,” she says.

“I have had a career in governance and senior management positions across a wide range of organisations.

After retiring from fulltime employment I wanted to contribute my skills and experience to the continuing growth and development of Diabetes NZ.

“I would like to see Diabetes NZ being the first port of call throughout the country for all newly diagnosed people with diabetes – whether they have type 1 or type 2.”

Catherine also wants Diabetes NZ to be a stronger advocate for people with diabetes whether it’s for access to new medicines, technology, health care programmes or better awareness.

Together with new Chief Executive Heather Verry, Catherine and the Board are mapping out some exciting new initiatives to grow the organisation’s profile and reach in the diabetes community. But she cautions that the road ahead won’t be easy.

“A review of Destination Unity was undertaken last year. In the context of declining membership and the closure of a number of branches the Board needs to be brave in recommending a structure for Diabetes NZ that meets the needs of people living with diabetes in the 21st century,” she explains.

“Diabetes NZ is the largest and oldest diabetes charity in the country but it is not financially sustainable and cannot do the work expected of it by its members with its current funding.

“We need to change this but I’m confident we can move forward together to secure its future.”

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

5

Upfront

Sugar tax time?

Banning high-sugar drinks and foods in school canteens should be considered as one of a number of actions to reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease, says Diabetes NZ.

B

etter product labelling, water fountains in schools and public places, and a sugar tax are other areas for action, says the organisation.

The UK introduced its version of a sugar tax on 1 April, joining a growing number of countries that have a surcharge on sugar-added drinks, sports and energy drinks.

Chief Executive Heather Verry said: “Diabetes NZ supports taxing sugary drinks but we believe it should be treated as only one tool in the toolbox.

“We continue to promote better product labelling, water fountains in schools and public places, and a general ban on selling sugarsweetened beverages and high-sugar

foods in school canteens.”

Diabetes NZ was one of several key health organisations that endorsed a Consensus Statement on Sugary Drinks in late 2016. The statement highlights several areas for action: • Introducing a teaspoon icon on drinks indicating the amount of sugar. This would see a fullstrength 600ml bottle of fizzy drink state: “contains 16 teaspoons of sugar”.

• Independent monitoring of food marketing, especially advertising aimed at children.

• Urging the Government to adopt the World Health Organisation’s sugar limit guidelines.

• Encouraging the public to switch to water by introducing warning

labels highlighting sugary drinks as risk factors for obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.

• A nationwide ‘Switch to Water’ social marketing campaign, and advocacy to encourage schools and councils to introduce ‘water only’ policies.

• The introduction of a ‘sugary drinks’ tax in line with WHO recommendations.

The 14 organisations that signed the consensus statement included: Diabetes NZ; the New Zealand Dental Association; Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa; Association of Salaried Medical Specialists; Cancer Society of New Zealand; Te Ao Marama; The Heart Foundation; The Public Health Association; and The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

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MOROCCAN CHICKEN TAGINE SERVES 4 * $3.40 PER SERVE * TIME TO MAKE 20 MINS * DIABETES FRIENDLY

6

Ingredients

Method

400g chicken breast fillets, diced 2 teaspoons Moroccan seasoning 3½ cups chopped pumpkin (in 1.5cm cubes) 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed 400g can no-added-salt chopped tomatoes 4 cups baby spinach or chopped silver beet 1 cup wholemeal couscous ¾ cup low-fat Greek-style yoghurt, to serve

Spray a large non-stick frying pan with olive oil and set over medium heat. Add chicken, toss with Moroccan seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes, or until browned. Remove chicken from pan. Cover with foil and set aside.

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

Spray pan with a little more oil. Add pumpkin and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden. Add a good splash of water. Cover pan and lightly steam pumpkin for 5 minutes, or until it just starts to soften. Return chicken to pan with chickpeas and tomatoes. Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken and pumpkin are cooked through. Stir through baby spinach to wilt.

Meanwhile, cook couscous according to packet instructions. Fluff grains with a fork. Serve tagine with couscous, a dollop of plain yoghurt and cracked black pepper.

STAND FOR DIABETES Could you spare some time to help advise Diabetes NZ?

D

iabetes NZ members are being urged to stand in this year’s Advisory Council elections, with four key positions – President, Vice-President, and two elected member representatives – being decided.

The 11-strong Advisory Council is responsible for providing consumer and advocacy advice to Diabetes NZ on a range of issues affecting people with diabetes and their families.

It was set up in 2012 with members drawn from diabetes experts from across the sector, including two elected directly by individual Diabetes NZ members. The rest are appointed and include regional representatives, clinical experts and representatives from Māori and Pacifica and youth diabetes groups.

The President, who also sits on the Board, and Vice-President will serve a three-year term, while the two elected member representatives will serve on the Advisory Council for two years.

Chief Executive Heather Verry said: “We would love to hear from any members interested in any of these four positions. The Advisory Council plays an important role advising Diabetes NZ on how we can improve life for people with diabetes locally and nationally, and by stepping up you will be helping us to continue to improve the services we provide across the country.”

Information about each role can be

found in the Diabetes NZ Constitution (see s10 Advisory Council Members, s11 Role of President, and s12 Role of Vice-President).

Nomination forms will be available from 7 May 2018 on www.diabetes.org.nz or by phoning National Office on 0800 342 238.

Please indicate on the nomination form the position or positions you wish to stand for and include a brief biography (maximum 200 words) with your application.

These will be included with the voting papers for members.

Nominations should be received via email or post to National Office by 5pm Friday 6 July 2018.

The successful candidates will be officially announced at Diabetes NZ’s national conference and AGM on 17 November 2018.

KEY DATES Nominations open 14 May 2018 Nominations close 6 July 2018 Election papers sent to members 1 August 2018 Postal voting closes 24 August 2018 Nominees advised of outcome 7 September 2018 Positions formally announced and terms officially start at AGM 17 November 2018.

Going the extra mile Pat Waite has stepped down as Chair of Diabetes NZ’s Board after five years at the helm. He will continue to serve as an independent member until November’s AGM. Pat very ably led our organisation through a period of massive change following the Destination Unity decision in 2012. He has been instrumental in moving Diabetes NZ from multiple independent societies to the unified branch structure we have today. This has not been without its challenges and throughout the journey Pat has maintained a consultative and inclusive style and steered us along with a steady hand.

During Pat’s time as Board Chair we have developed and implemented a strong sponsor programme that has seen Diabetes NZ link more closely with a number of corporate organisations. We were thrilled to be selected as the charity of choice for the 2017 Grocery Charity Ball. Pat is also a long-serving member of the investment committee that guides our investment decisions.

He also led the recruitment of two Chief Executives and the selection of our current independent board members. On a day-to-day basis Pat liaised closely with our Chief Executive and has maintained a watchful eye over branches and our business.

Pat, who is due to complete his third Board term in November, has handed over the role of Chair to Catherine Taylor to facilitate a smooth transition. Our organisation has benefited from the high-level expertise of our independent board members and Pat will be leaving some mighty shoes to be filled.

Deb Connor, President Diabetes NZ

Members of the inaugural Advisory Council start work with Diabetes NZ’s Board in 2012.

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

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Cover

Chef, TV personality, mum and businesswoman Jax Hamilton shares her recipe for healthy eating – laughter, love and time. By Caroline Wood.

FUN FOOD J

ax Hamilton has loved food since she was a child growing up in a working-class home in the East End of London. Her mum taught her how to cook on a budget, using cheap cuts of meat, produce from the family’s vege garden and exotic (for the 1970s) flavours from her Jamaican heritage, including lots of chilli and spice.

Jax’s mum, who developed type 2 diabetes in her 60s, was the inspiration for Jax’s Eat Well, Stay Well cooking demonstration in Taranaki last November. She spent three hours sharing recipes and her love for food with an audience of 300 people in a sell-out event organised by Diabetes NZ’s Taranaki Area Branch.

“My mum, who was a single parent, never had much time to kiss and hug us, she was too busy working shifts as a

For a healthy alternative to ice-cream try this easy recipe. Remove the skin from some brown bananas, chop them up and freeze. Take 50ml of milk or coconut milk (lite or full-fat), whizz in the blender with the frozen banana and your choice of frozen fruit (raspberries, blueberries or strawberries) and you have instant creamy ice-cream. Beautiful!

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

district nurse, but when she was in the kitchen she stirred that pot about 100 times, I knew when she was cooking that’s when the love came out,” says Jax. “She would come home with the only ingredients she could afford – tripe, pigtails, goat’s meat, old chicken the butcher was selling off cheap – but mum always managed to provide such amazing dishes, using the most awful ingredients – those days really created ‘aha’ moments for me, where food is concerned.

“As a child, I had to step up and learn to cook for my six siblings. I’ve taken inspiration from her. I love how you can take three simple ingredients like stock, peas and garlic and create a delicious pea and roast garlic soup.”

Her mum’s diabetes diagnosis was a shock as there was no history of diabetes in the family and her mum had always eaten good food.

“I didn’t know much about diabetes before mum was diagnosed,” explains Jax. “With her medical training, mum took it in her stride and she manages it very well. She didn’t really speak about it but she did give up smoking and started to eat more healthily – no more chippies!”

Jax attended a good school and went on to become a press officer and owned a market research agency in London. She and her husband moved to New Zealand in 2001, where she worked as a hat seller and became the first executive director of the Dress for

“Love and time are the best ingredients in any meal.”

JAX HAMILTON Success charity, in Christchurch.

Then came a turning point. Her 18-year marriage broke down and Jax found herself in a position she never expected – a solo mum to two boys, in a part-time job living on benefits in rented accommodation.

“I’d never been in that position before,” she says.

“I thought, how am I going to offer a new future for my children?

Then one night while watching TV, I saw Brett McGregor win MasterChef series 1, and I thought, wow, imagine creating something like that, and I applied to be part of series 2.”

Following the gripping final of series 2, Jax narrowly lost to former diabetes dietitian, Nadia Lim, but she still won the heart of a nation with her bubbly Jamaican personality and English banter.

Progressive Foods snapped her up and Jax became the first person of colour to represent Countdown as a food ambassador in Australia/New Zealand.

Over the past six years, the cheeky foodie has fronted a series of popular TV campaigns, created two best-selling cookbooks, and launched a new You Tube web series called Jax Food Hax. She still finds time to do charity work – cooking for the homeless in Christchurch once a week.

“All my recipes are a gift of love – that’s why, when your mum or gran cooks for you with love, it tastes the best,” she says.

“My aim is for everyone in the world to be able to go into the pantry and create something with personality inspired by the people they are and the people they are cooking for. Love and time are the best ingredients in any meal.”

She has taught her boys – now aged 23 and 20 – that you’ve got to dig deep for treasure, you’ve got to earn it.

“Everyone needs educating to be inspired to create and like simple, clean, good, food,” says Jax. “I got that education from my mother and I have taught it to my own children. If you teach your children to cook, and love good food, you will be giving them a lifetime of health – and what mum wouldn’t want to do that?”

Check out Jax Hamilton’s delicious diabetes-friendly recipes on p26

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

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Advocate

PLEASE FUND FREESTYLE LIBRE Diabetes NZ is calling on the government to fully subsidise the ground-breaking Freestyle Libre glucose sensing system, which has just been approved for use by children.

By Caroline Wood.

Kiwi parents say the Freestyle Libre takes the stress out of monitoring their children’s diabetes, especially during the night when they have to monitor their young person’s blood glucose levels.

Kiri Harris and her 10-year-old daughter Hayley.

K

iri Harris, from Alexandra, Central Otago, says they were originally reluctant to take the plunge and buy the Freestyle Libre for their 10-year-old daughter Hayley because of the expensive running costs.

But after just three weeks the family says they won’t be going back to the old ways of checking blood sugar levels – they will have to find the money somehow.

Kiri says: “It’s a shame that it comes down to the cost, it’s making life so much easier, it reduces our stress as parents especially at night time.

“It’s easier for Hayley as well – she just has to put a wee machine in her pocket to take to school, she’s less self-conscious and the disc on her arm doesn’t bother her.

“I’d love for it to be funded by Pharmac, especially for children.”

The revolutionary Freestyle Libre system, which was recently approved for use by children

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

and teenagers aged 4-17 years old, measures glucose levels through a small sensor worn on the back of the upper arm.

It has been hailed as a breakthrough technology because it reduces the need for painful finger-prick tests and shows longterm blood glucose trend, making managing type 1 diabetes easier for parents, especially at night.

It costs $100 to buy the Freestyle Libre system but each sensor costs $100 and they must be replaced every two weeks. Experts believe the Freestyle Libre will help redefine how New Zealanders manage their diabetes – but only if they can afford the $2,400 a year in running costs.

Kiwi children and adults currently have to pay for the Freestyle Libre themselves, as it is not funded by Pharmac. In contrast, 17 countries around the world, including the UK, France, Germany and Japan, offer full or partial subsidies for the Freestyle Libre system.

In Australia young people under 21 years old are eligible for two fully subsidised brands of continuous glucose monitors and its Department of Health is currently considering whether to add the Freestyle Libre to its funded product list.

Ruby McGill, Director of Youth at Diabetes New Zealand, says: “We’re really excited about the difference using a FreeStyle Libre can make to young people living with diabetes and their families.

“Glucose tests can be done quickly and discreetly and being able to identify blood glucose trends means users and carers can see where their levels are heading and make tweaks as needed, reducing the risk of hypos.

“Diabetes NZ would like to see the Freestyle Libre fully funded, along with other continuous glucose monitors for everyone with type 1 diabetes. If it’s part-funded it would still be too expensive for many families.”

High price to pay The Wiggins family from Auckland is paying $400 a month ($4,800 a year) to use Freestyle Libre continuous glucose monitors for their two young children, Kaden and Addison, who both have type 1 diabetes.

“We pay for the Freestyle Libres for both children so they don’t have to go through the pain of finger pricking a minimum of six times per day. The system gives us information that finger pricking doesn’t, including their blood glucose trends. We can see a graph of their levels throughout the day and night. It’s an amazing tool,” explains mum Lisa.

“We have had multiple hospital admissions and sometimes hospital staff request blood glucose checks every two hours but having the Freestyle Libre means we don’t have to finger-prick. It’s been a godsend.

“In Australia young people under 21 have continuous glucose meters fully funded, why is New Zealand so far behind?

So many families here are struggling to get quality equipment and affordable meds and meters.”

Abbott′s FreeStyle Libre system consists of a small, round sensor – approximately the size of two stacked two dollar coins – worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 14 days.

The Wiggins family have two children with type 1 diabetes

Freestyle Libre has been available to adults in New Zealand for just over six months and was recently approved for use by children and teens although some were already using it, such has been the demand for the technology from parents.

Liam Easton says he used to be so embarrassed about this diabetes, he wouldn’t test his blood sugar levels at school. For him, using a FreeStyle Libre has already brought significant and beneficial changes to his life.

The 14-year-old, from Dunedin, explains: “Before I felt embarrassed to check my glucose levels and I wouldn’t test at school. The FreeStyle Libre is easy to use and discreet. It has allowed me to spend more time playing basketball with my friends, while also helping me manage my diabetes better.”

Dr Ben Wheeler, Paediatric Endocrinologist for the University of Otago and Southern District Health Board says: “The great thing about this device is the potential reduction

How does the FreeStyle Libre system work?

in diabetes burden it offers, by reducing the need for frequent finger prick blood glucose measures.

“It is my great hope that this system and systems like it will be funded by the New Zealand government in the future.”

Abbott has submitted an application to Pharmac to seek appropriate funding for FreeStyle Libre.

“FreeStyle Libre’s revolutionary technology now offers children in New Zealand freedom from routine, painful finger-pricks. It is also discreet, and makes it easy for caregivers to monitor glucose, as many times as is needed, over many days,” explains Peter Chalikias, regional director, Diabetes Care, Abbott ANZ. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System is distributed in New Zealand by Mediray NZ Ltd and is available for purchase online at www.FreeStyleLibre.co.nz.

It measures glucose in interstitial fluid every minute through a small (5mm long, 0.4mm wide) filament that is inserted just under the skin and held in place with a small adhesive pad.

A reader is scanned over the sensor to get a glucose result painlessly in less than one second. Each scan displays a real-time glucose result, an eight-hour historical trend and the direction the glucose is heading.

Unlike current continuous glucose monitoring devices (those that measure glucose levels in real time throughout the day and night), the FreeStyle Libre system is factory calibrated.

This means it doesn’t need a finger prick test for calibration, whereas some current continuous glucose monitoring systems might require two or more finger prick calibrations per day.

Source: Abbott

New CareSens meters – see p34 for a guide to what’s new and what you need to do.

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

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Regular exercise plays a vital role in the prevention and management of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Anytime Fitness New Zealand is delighted to support Diabetes New Zealand in helping Kiwis reach their healthier place.

Prevent

Anytime Fitness CEO Richard Ball shares his prediabetes story and explains why his company is teaming up with Diabetes NZ.

MY WELLNESS JOURNEY

L

ate last year, prompted by the declining health of some close friends, Richard Ball decided to undertake a full medical “WOF” and received the news he neither expected nor wanted to hear – his doctor told him he had prediabetes.

“My initial reaction was that it was impossible, I am too fit and we are pretty careful as to what we eat,” Richard recalls.

But this did not alter the reality he now faced – he was at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and joining the ranks of nearly 250,000 New Zealand children and adults living with type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Highly motivated by his family and wanting to be a fun and fit grandfather, as well as supporting a special needs adult daughter with a diabetic condition, Richard and his family set themselves more firmly on a course to a healthier place.

A social family where large gatherings and the “big boil up” are a point of celebration, the key to positive change in Richard’s own health profile was balance.

“We still enjoy family celebrations but there is an increased consciousness around the kind of food we choose to serve and eat,” he says.

“As well as making wiser food choices, I also increased my daily physical activity by walking to and from work.”

Already a regular at the gym, Richard changed his workout

schedule to focus on increasing cardio fitness, along with strength training, both of which are proven to be effective in weight management and reducing insulin sensitivity, when combined with healthy eating.

Living with diabetes in his family and having embarked on his own wellness journey, Richard decided he wanted to do more to help stem the rising tide of diabetes.

Anytime Fitness gyms can be found in local communities throughout New Zealand with a network of friendly clubs that offer programmes and expert advice for anyone looking to improve their health and happiness.

The work Diabetes NZ is doing in the community to raise awareness and help people manage their diabetes resonated with Richard and the Anytime Fitness family.

Regular exercise and improved cardio-fitness reduce insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes and prediabetes.

In July, Anytime Fitness NZ will be running a Cardio Challenge to raise awareness and funds to support Diabetes NZ’s work. For every kilometre its members pedal, row, run, walk or step, Anytime Fitness will make a donation, with a target of achieving 250,000 cardio-kilometres in one month – representing 1km for every Kiwi adult and child living with diabetes.

Go to www.anytimefitness.co.nz to find a club near you.

Richard Ball puts Diabetes NZ’s business development coordinator Jo Chapman through her paces at an Anytime Fitness gym.

HELPING KIWIS GET TO A HEALTHIER PLACE Top global gym franchise Anytime Fitness NZ has teamed up with Diabetes New Zealand as its newest Champion Sponsor.

Heather Verry, Chief Executive of Diabetes NZ, says: “Diabetes NZ is committed to helping people live well with diabetes and Anytime Fitness NZ is helping improve people’s health and wellbeing through exercise, so this new partnership is a perfect fit.

“We are delighted to welcome Anytime Fitness NZ as our new Champion Sponsor.”

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

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Care

CARING FOR THE CARERS

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We need to make sure our diabetes support crew don’t burn out too, suggests Ruby McGill.

he constant monitoring of blood sugar levels, calculating carbs and injecting insulin while safely navigating the endless list of factors that affect blood glucose, is simply part of living with diabetes.

Every diabetes warrior I know is doing their best to juggle the many diabetes variables to ensure they live long, full and healthy lives.

After 18 years of trying to keeping my blood sugars in range, it can often feel like I move two steps forward and then one step back. But with every hurdle I learn more, adjust, grow and carry on.

However I must admit there are definitely moments where I’m exhausted, snappy, emotional and fed up with it all.

It’s moments like these I’m truly grateful for my family and friends – my diabetes support team. They pick me up when I’m crumbling, become my pancreas when I’ve had enough, encourage me to be strong and celebrate every time I’m able to shout “take that diabetes, I won this round.”

A diabetes diagnosis affects the entire family, not just the person living with it. We’re all in this together, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, trying to mimic a

fully functioning pancreas.

I recently asked my husband Hayden (my #1 support person) how he felt about living and caring for someone with diabetes.

“It is what it is, we can’t change it but at times it’s crap,” he told me.

“The broken sleep because of night-time hypos is hard. I worry about you when your blood sugars are out of whack and it takes hours to get prepared for something simple like a family bushwalk.”

He laughs as he remembers how he’s had to learn the difference between an angry wife and one with low blood sugars, directing me to the closest juice box rather than arguing back. (He’s a keeper, is Hayden!)

Refusing to let type 1 diabetes define our family life, we choose to simply get on with it and muddle through together.

But, over the years, I’ve realised I need to keep a close eye on my support crew to make sure they don’t get overwhelmed by the demands of caring for someone with diabetes.

It’s so important that Hayden and I are both mentally and physically fit, able to handle anything diabetes throws at us.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. You must take care of yourself first,” as the saying goes.

Do you have a diabetes story to share?

Email editor@diabetes.org.nz, we'd love to hear from you.

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR SUPPORTER Here are Ruby’s top tips for looking after the diabetes support person in your life, whether they are your parent, partner, family member, friend or close neighbour.

Time out Make sure your carer has time to do something they enjoy on their own to recharge their batteries. Hayden disappears to the garage and tinkers on his 4x4.

Seek help Asking someone else to help with child care, cleaning or cooking can take the pressure off your support person, even if it’s just for a short respite from the daily grind.

Keep talking A problem shared is a problem halved. Rather than bottling it up share frustrations with one other. It will make everyone feel better and it feels good to be on the same page.

Recognise highs and lows Episodes of hypo and hyperglycaemia can have a direct effect on your emotions. Being able to quickly recognise the symptoms, and knowing how to treat them, will help bring your mood back to normal and make you easier to live with!

Be mindful Five simple daily actions have been proven to improve wellbeing – connect, give, take notice, keep learning and be active. For more information go to: www.mentalhealth. org.nz/home/waysto-wellbeing-2/

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Four-year-old Braca nearly died after developing type 1 diabetes while sailing with his family in South-East Asia. Mum Kia Korrop explains why they turned back to port, as his condition worsened.

A LIFE-SAVING DECISION

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

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ur story starts in Thailand, in January 2016, on the verge of a near-catastrophic decision to go to sea. At the time our son Braca, aged 4, was showing signs of increasing illness but we were unable to identify the cause. As anyone who has experienced diabetes knows, the symptoms slowly creep up on you. At first there was increased thirst and increased urination, understandable in a move to the tropics. Then he showed signs of decreased appetite, but young children are notorious for being picky eaters. Next he started to become lethargic and showed little interest in normal social activity which we interpreted as boredom, understandable with a change in environment.

Realising something was going on, either physical or emotional, I took him to the health clinic and the clinician diagnosed him with vitamin deficiency. We got a small box of multi-vitamins. But things started to get worse. He began bed-wetting, sleeping during the day, refusing meals altogether; things weren’t right. I took him to the international hospital and the physician diagnosed him with throat ulcers and constipation.

“One week and he will be back to normal,” the doctor promised.

We left with an enema and a prescription for oral thrush.

Meanwhile we continued to prepare for our season ahead, a year-long voyage that would take us 12,000 miles across the Indian Ocean. Provisions were fully stocked, a multitude of boat maintenance requirements ticked off the list, 850 litres of diesel and 1400 litres of water sat in our

tanks. The boat was set to go, and so were we. Ahead lay the colours of Sri Lanka, the aquamarine necklace of the Maldives, the isolation of Chagos and the challenges of Africa. After all the pressure of constant work on the boat and concern for Braca, I felt like leaning out over the pulpit with arms reaching out to the sea and yelling at the top of my lungs, “Indian Ocean, thanks for waiting.

We are finally on our way!”

Through a thick mist of shock and disbelief, we numbly fell into an alternate universe, vaguely aware that our plans, dreams and lifestyle had been dashed on the rocks of an incurable disease.

We cleared customs from Thailand on 10 January 2016 after getting the green light from the physician and sailed to our departure point. Still, I had a nagging feeling that things weren’t right. The evening before departure we wandered around a local carnival, trying to get into the festive spirit but Braca kept dragging his heels and complaining that his bones hurt too much to walk. As we shouldered him through the crowd, apathetic and lethargic, neither of us felt confident that his condition matched his diagnosis.

Then things began to spiral. We were half way through his meds but he was still moping around and looking miserable. During dinner, he vomited violently at a stall-side market. We whisked him back to the boat, tucked him into

bed and immediately logged onto the internet. Lethargy. Weight loss. Increased thirst. Increased urination. None of his symptoms matched the Thai doctor’s diagnosis. What we did come up with, however, was unimaginable: Addison’s disease, depression, diabetes, or cancer. We began to question the doctor’s diagnosis and in a defining moment we turned back from the sea. It was a decision that probably saved our son’s life.

At first light we pulled up anchor and raced back to Phuket.

During the night Braca had slipped into a heavy, rhythmic breathing pattern unlike anything I’d witnessed before and I was manic with fear. Having already cleared out of Thailand we were now illegally back in it, but we disregarded customs protocol and raced into the paediatric department at Bangkok Hospital, in Phuket. The doctor agreed with our concerns – weight loss, vomiting, and rapid breathing were not signs of a standard oral infection, nor was the hyperventilation or dehydration that he was now expressing.

Braca was immediately whisked into the intensive care unit and dropped into a flurry of drips, drugs and needles. Our son was soon diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and in a critical condition. With blood glucose levels sky-rocketing and severe ketoacidosis, he was at the final stage before his system would shut down.

“Without sufficient insulin your son’s body has been unable to process sugars and he has been burning fat to survive.

Kia Koropp and John Daubeny have been cruising around the world since 2011 on a New Zealand-designed Ganley Solution yacht, breaking up the trip with six to eight-month work contracts in New Zealand and Australia. Their children Braca, now 6, and Ayla, 4, were born in Auckland. At the time of writing the family was sailing in the eastern Indian Ocean and the Maldives. The family owns a house in Kumeu, Auckland, and that’s where they plan to re-establish themselves shoreside when they finish their sailing life (at a date TBC!).

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

17

As a result, the ketone waste has been acidifying his blood and if untreated, he will quickly go into a diabetic coma. People can die from ketoacidosis,” the doctor told us.

Through a thick mist of shock and disbelief, we numbly fell into an alternate universe, vaguely aware that our plans, dreams and lifestyle had been dashed on the rocks of an incurable disease.

Four days in intensive care with a four-year-old is one of the saddest, scariest experiences any

parent can go through. I sat at his bedside and watched him sleep for hours on end, an enthusiastic, energetic little boy zapped of all his spunk and spirit. Trails of tubing spiralled from his body, hooked up to a complex assortment of beeping and blinking machines.

At the same time, it was a relief to be in the hands of medical experts and under proper care after the dizzying weeks of confusion and helplessness. Neither of us had imagined that he had such a serious illness; we had scoffed

at the diagnosis that our online research predicted. I remember looking at my husband and saying, “Surely none of this applies to our son!” We never imagined the worst, but it seemed the worst was now upon us.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Braca’s road to recovery, the struggle to learn about diabetes care in a foreign country, and life on board a yacht with a young T1D.

READER COMPETITION We have a couple of fabulous Fitbit Alta HRs, worth $269.95 each, to give away to two lucky readers! The Alta HR is the world’s slimmest fitness wristband with continuous heart rate monitor. Take advantage of Fitbit’s Sleep Stages technology to analyse light, deep and REM sleep. For a full list of features see www.fitbit.com.

To be in to win, email draw@diabetes.org.nz with your name and address and put FITBIT in the subject line. The competition closes on 1 August.

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

My T2 Life

FINDING MY REASON Rachel Woodrow turned her life around after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Fed up with being overweight, she started exercising, shed the kilos and conceived a much longed-for child. Rachel featured in Diabetes Wellness in 2016, and today she is a global ambassador for Fitbit. Here she shares her top healthy living tips.

Diets lose their shine, so I don’t “diet”. I make rules like “no eating after 8.30pm” because after 9pm my willpower has gone to bed. I used to do quite a bit of damage surfing the cupboards at night.

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understand that losing 2 Iweight is 20% exercise and 80% diet. Going for a walk is not going to undo a small chocolate bar. I’d still lose weight if I stuck to 1200 calories of good food and didn’t exercise at all.

I most often stick to 1,2001,500 calories a day and most of the food is clean and whole. No one is perfect right?

3

I play games to make up my steps with everyday activities – putting the washing basket a distance from the clothes line and walking back and forward to get each item.

I set myself challenges that interest me – taking the stairs two at a time, being 90 minutes active on Fitbit, walking to the top of a hill– anything that takes my fancy on the day.

I turned my excuses upside down: “I can’t exercise, I have a baby” so I get up earlier.

“I can’t afford healthy foods” – I eat less of what I can afford. “I can’t afford a gym membership” – I turn to workouts online and exercise equipment at the local park.

I reward myself. This was hard, it took a long time to come up with non-food rewards. I made a star chart, that’s how I got my first Fitbit charge HR! I also started a little jar with cute pebbles that each represent 500g. As I lost weight I moved the pebble to a second jar – it shows the total I’ve lost so far.

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I keep it real. I want to live this way forever so unless I’m doing one of my challenges, eg a Fitbit step competition, I keep my exercise workload to six times a week and 10,000 steps. We don’t complain about brushing our teeth so why complain about having to exercise every day?

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I document my journey and create before-and-after comparison photos to remind myself how far I have come.

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I dug deep and decided I deserve this, I won’t ever let myself go back to how I used to be.

I like the new me too much.

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Early last year Fitbit asked for interesting customers to discover how people around the world have changed their lives using one of their devices. Rachel Woodrow, who told her diabetes story in our Winter 2016 issue, is now part of the company’s global Find Your Reason campaign, see https://stories.fitbit.com/featured/rachel/.

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Community

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS Winner Hamish Walker

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David Clark

Brett and Angel Renall

Mel Homer

Mitchell Brown

Andrew Barnes

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The 2018 Diabetes NZ Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge was a runaway success as celebrities, business leaders and politicians stepped out for diabetes. By Tess O’Reilly.

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

iwi personalities and leaders stepped up in a huge show of support for Diabetes New Zealand during February.

They collectively managed over 2.7 million steps, covering approximately the same distance as walking from Auckland to Sydney.

During the Diabetes NZ Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge, participants were tasked with the goal of out-stepping each other, becoming more active and increasing their exercise. They were supporting Diabetes NZ’s message to all New Zealanders that exercise can help manage or prevent diabetes.

A significant mover and overall champion was Hamish Walker, MP for Clutha–Southland. Not only did he finish with knockit-out-of-the-park 294,124 steps, he also proved that having type 1 diabetes doesn’t hold him back.

“I have been living with type 1 diabetes since I was 14 years old, so this is a cause close to home,” Hamish explains.

“Living with type 1 can be challenging at times but you can still lead a normal life. My

attitude has always been that if I commit 110% to a cause and work hard, diabetes won’t stop me from doing anything.

“I also want to thank fellow competitor Art Green for guiding me through the past couple of weeks on a paleo diet which gave me much needed extra energy and helped keep my blood sugars steady.

“It’s fair to say my body is pretty sore now after two weeks of intense exercise, where I used every possible spare second to exercise and dropped 5kg in the process!

“I was up against some tough competition and I want to thank everyone that took part.”

One of those competitors was fellow MP and Minister of Health, David Clark, who took time out of his busy ministerial schedule to compete.

“Diabetes is a major health issue and I was pleased to take part. Diabetes NZ Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge highlighted the value of bitesized exercise and movement,” he says.

The 2018 Fitbit MoveMeant

line-up was very competitive, with media and celebrities challenging some of New Zealand’s top business and industry leaders. Groups faced off against each other in the first two weeks, with the third and final week allocated to a champion round of the biggest movers.

In the business round, Andrew Barnes from Perpetual Guardian, who was champion in 2015, competed against Hamish Walker, Sir Eion Edgar, Dr Lee Mathias, Sir Ralph Norris, Minister of Health David Clark, NZ Police Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers and Mitchell Brown from Rotary New Zealand.

Media darlings Mel Homer, Art Green, Brett and Angel Renall, Toni Street, Sam Wallace, Rachel Grunwell, Mark Richardson and Carly Flynn competed against each other for the top spots.

In the final round it was Brett Renall, Mark Richardson, Hamish Walker and Richard Chambers vying for the title, with Hamish crowned the supreme winner.

TOP COP TAKES UP CHALLENGE Finishing close second in finals week was Richard Chambers, Assistant Commissioner for Investigations, competing on behalf of New Zealand Police.

“The challenge was a great way people like myself can help raise awareness of diabetes as a major issue for our country. At the age of 45, I’m in an age range that has a heightened risk of developing diabetes. The challenge was a reminder to me of the risk factors and what I can do to stay fit and healthy.

“I am naturally competitive, so it was awesome to track my progress against others. During the challenge I was also motivated to eat more healthy food which helped me mentally prepare for all those steps and I think I also lost a few kilos!

“But overall it was very satisfying to be able to support a good cause and the wonderful work of Diabetes NZ. I am keeping up my fitness and healthy eating and I feel so much better for it – this is bigger than a two-week effort!”

SIR EION RAISES $74,000 FOR DIABETES Diabetes NZ’s Patron and long-time supporter Sir Eion Edgar had two goals for this year’s Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge – to get to 150,000 steps and raise as much money as possible for a cause that is dear to his heart.

Sir Eion Edgar, who is chairman of Forsyth Barr Group, is passionate about raising diabetes awareness and willingly stepped up to be part of the challenge again this year.

Thanks to the many and various shoulders he tapped, countless phone calls and emails, Sir Eion successfully raised nearly $74,000 through his Givealittle page, taking the grand total raised by all the competitors to more than $81,000.

In a huge effort, Sir Eion also racked up 150,438 steps, wearing out one pair of trainers and spending late nights trekking the streets to squeeze in the extra steps and reach his goal.

Chief Executive of Diabetes NZ Heather Verry says she is extremely grateful to Sir Eion for his continued support.

“Sir Eion really set the bar high this year, he was committed to giving his all to help Diabetes NZ and he delivered on his promise! We are all so grateful for his efforts.

“The funds raised will go towards continuing to provide a high level of support for our community, including our diabetes helpline and further activity to raise awareness.”

Sir Eion’s interest in diabetes began in 1999. He was the first person asked to join a new Diabetes Business Group set up by Paul Bowe, then Vice-President of Diabetes NZ. This interest led Sir Eion and his wife Jan to set up the Edgar National Centre for Diabetes and Obesity Research at the University of Otago in Dunedin.

The couple donated $1 million to this diabetes centre in 2003.

It is still thriving today and undertaking ground-breaking diabetes research.

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Family

Teenage T1D athlete Joyce Tsai is the youngest woman ever to be selected to represent New Zealand in the Japanese martial art of kendo.

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oyce Tsai is heading to South Korea in September to take part in the Kendo World Championships, the youngest woman ever to be selected for the New Zealand team. The 16-yearold has fought her way to the top of this tough sport, often beating women twice her age. This feat was made even harder by having to manage her type 1 diabetes while training and competing at the highest level.

But Joyce hasn’t let diabetes hold her back, and supported by her father Sam and mother Marleen, who together run the Waikato Kendo Club, she is determined to go to South Korea in the peak of physical condition.

Joyce has been learning kendo since she was six years old and started competing when she was just eight. But when she turned nine, her parents noticed she was often thirsty, thinner than usual, and was losing leg muscle mass.

They took her to the GP who told them on three separate visits there was nothing wrong with Joyce.

Finally the family took her to a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, who immediately suspected diabetes and referred them back to their doctor’s surgey for tests.

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

KENDO QUEEN

Another GP saw them, checked Joyce’s blood sugar levels, and later the same day the family found themselves in hospital.

Joyce was in hospital for a week and it was a steep learning curve for everyone. But over the next few years she learned how to manage her diabetes while training hard, competing in kendo and also lacrosse.

“It’s become second nature. I’ve had to learn about the impact exercise has on my blood sugars and adjust my insulin accordingly.

I use a pen not a pump as it would be too bulky under my kendo clothing,” says Joyce.

“Kendo is like being a modern samurai warrior. We fight with bamboo swords but it’s not performed as self-defence, it more a form of character development, it’s how we deal with change, face life’s difficulties,” explains dad Sam Tsai, who is a kendo instructor.

In this way kendo has helped Joyce and her family rise to the challenge of having diabetes in a highly competitive environment.

Joyce believes the inner strength she needs to perform kendo well has helped her manage her diabetes, which also needs selfdiscipline and routine.

Sam is justifiably thrilled with what Joyce has achieved so far in her young life: “We are very proud of her. We probably worry more than her about things like hypos while she is training but I think she manages very well. She shows impressive discipline and attitude, we can’t do better than her.”

Joyce, who would like to become a physiotherapist in the future, is kendo training two to three times a week, goes to the gym and plays lacrosse. She is currently doing 400+ swings of her bamboo sword, adding another repetition each day. “I like to make training fun,” she says!

Joyce is an inspiration for other young people, says Liz Dutton, who is the New Zealand Kendo woman’s team manager and a former Clinical Nurse Specialist in diabetes.

She said: “Joyce really manages her diabetes well. She makes a wonderful type 1 role model. She has fought her way to the top in kendo. I know how hard it is to manage diabetes day in and day out, especially for teenagers just learning how to cope with their condition independently, often on top of raging hormones!”

What is kendo?

Kendo originated in Japan from the time of the Samurai warrior. Kendo means “way of the sword”, derived from the Japanese words “ken” meaning sword and “do” meaning the way. It uses bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armour (bōgu). The samurai in ancient Japan were highly skilled warriors who protected their feudal lords from the 8th century to the 17th century. The first kendo schools appeared from 1390–1600 AD. Through his kendo practice the samurai also developed his inner strength, his mental power and his character. Kendo is a unique mental and physical discipline which contains many of the elements of Zen – meditation, intense concentration and controlled breathing from the “hara” or lower abdomen are all integrated into kendo training.

This seemingly ‘vicious looking’ art is actually practised as a means of developing world peace. There are more than 7.5 million people studying and practising kendo in over 60 countries throughout the world today.

Find out more at www.kendo.org.nz Source: The New Zealand Kendo Federation

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Ask an expert

Adam Philps is a podiatrist who runs a foot clinic in the Wairarapa.

Here he explains why he developed a special sock for people with diabetes.

HAPPY FEET A

bout 10% of our practice is made up of patients with diabetes. A large focus for us is on preventing diabetes-related ailments by identifying issues early, for example narrowing leg and foot arteries, early detection of neuropathy (changes in sensation in the foot) and high pressure loading on the soles of the foot that can lead to ulcers. There are some excellent technological advances available that help our patients take control of their diabetes and lead active, healthy lives, and as a clinic we constantly strive to be a world leader in our field.

I have been treating people with diabetes for nearly two decades, and I saw a need for a sock that lowered the risk of the sorts of things we sometimes see in patients – pressure points, ulcers or, at worst, amputation.

I designed Waxeye Socks with a local manufacturer to address a number of concerns. The socks needed to reduce the risk of rubbing on the toes and they needed to be breathable – so we made them seamless and from merino wool. We also wanted a sock for our patients that didn't leave horizontal lines running across the calf. This was achieved by changing the elastic to run longways rather than horizontally.

Your feet form the foundation of an active and healthy life and it’s our passion to help people achieve the most active lives they can and therefore the healthiest.

Waxeye Circulation Socks are available online at www.mastertonfootclinic.co.nz.

STEPPING UP Here are Adam’s five top tips for diabetes footcare.

Visit your local podiatrist at least annually. They are able to detect changes in your foot health that will save a great deal of anguish later in life.

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Self check your feet daily. If you can’t, ask for help. If you live alone use a mirror to sight the sole of your foot.

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Stay positive. You are in control of this condition and all you need to do is ask if you need help. Start with your GP or diabetes practice nurse or, if it’s foot and ankle related, your podiatrist can help.

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Use a moisturiser daily to keep your skin elastic and reduce the risk of breaks in the skin.

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Buy the best shoes you can afford and check they fit correctly. A simple way is to take the liner out of the shoe and note the pattern your foot makes on the insole. If it overlaps any part – it is time to replace or review.

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READER COMPETITION We have 20 full-sized tubes of DU’IT Foot and Heel Balm Plus (RRP $15.99) to give away to 20 lucky readers. The balm contains 25% urea to help the most difficult cases of very dry, rough, cracked and hard thickened skin on heels, knees and feet – with visible effects within five days.

To be in to win, email draw@diabetes.org.nz with your name and address and put DU’IT in the subject line. The competition closes on 1 August.

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

Community

A LIFE OF SERVICE Lions Club New Zealand volunteer Christine Kemp is dedicated to helping people with diabetes.

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hristine Kemp travels across the country offering free diabetes screening, education and blood pressure checks to members of the public. It’s a labour of love because over the past six years Christine, 80, husband Michael, and their team of volunteers have done an amazing 15,977 tests.

The couple meet and screen dozens of people at community events and agricultural shows across the North Island. When they find someone with a high blood sugar reading they advise them to go to their GP to get a blood test for diabetes.

“Sometimes people come and find me the following year and tell me they were very grateful they took the test because it turned out they did have type 2 diabetes,” says Christine.

“We got them early, they had no idea at all they had diabetes, it’s very rewarding when that happens.”

Christine is the Diabetes Coordinator for Lions Clubs New Zealand, which has been Diabetes NZ’s partner for four years. There are 344 Lions clubs across the country with 10,000 members.

Christine is hoping to encourage more Lions Clubs to join Diabetes NZ, raise diabetes awareness in their community, and fundraise – especially during Diabetes Action

Month in November.

The retired physiotherapist, started screening people for diabetes in 2001. In 2011 the couple bought Lions Club International’s diabetes testing van for their McCosh Charitable Trust. The van was about to be decommissioned.

Today it is manned by Christine’s team of volunteers and travels to about 70 events a year from Northland to Wellington, including regular visits to two marae, and six A&P shows.

Christine has 11 volunteers, including a doctor, nurses and students, who help her do the diabetes finger-prick and blood pressure tests, although sometimes she goes to events on her own, and says she can be screening people from 8.30am to 8.30pm such is the demand.

When I speak to Christine, at her home south of Auckland, she is preparing to head to the Waikato Wellness Show and the Te Kuiti Sheep Muster, doing both events in the same weekend. She tested another 364 people at these shows.

In May Christine and Michael will hit the road again, screening at the Lions Convention in Palmerston North, and later the same month they will be testing Lions members at the Kāpiti Coast branch.

“We’ve always tried to serve our local community. I’ve also volunteered for Victim Support, St John’s and the Citizens Advice Bureau. But I love doing the diabetes screening, I enjoy meeting lots of people,” says Christine.

Diabetes NZ’s Chief Executive Heather Verry says the relationship with the New Zealand Lions is a very valuable one.

“Together we are hoping to work on growing membership, sharing educational resources, and fundraising. We look forward to their involvement in this year’s Diabetes Action Month.”

The Lions have a global diabetes awareness campaign, including Strides: Lions for Diabetes awareness. For more information see www.lionsclubs.org.nz.

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Recipes

COOKING WITH JAX Celebrity chef Jax Hamilton cooked up a storm at a healthy cooking demonstration organised by Diabetes NZ’s Taranaki branch last year. Here she shares some of the diabetes-friendly dishes she created for the event.

ROASTED SALMON WITH PESTO TOSSED VEGES SERVES 4

All in one pan, this is a simple, easy family meal with plenty of wow to go around. Cook everything in the one pan and dish up with ease. A favourite here at Jax HQ. ½ cauliflower, in florets 1 head broccoli, in florets 1 red onion, sliced thickly 2 carrots, thinly sliced drizzle olive oil 2 tbsp Cashew Nut Pesto, extra for garnish (see right) Salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 fillets salmon TIP Mix it up with your veges – beetroot is a fabulous combo with salmon, as well as kumara or your bog standard potato. If you’re not a big fan of pesto, toss through some horseradish cream – packs a fabulous punch.

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C. Tumble the cauliflower, broccoli, onion and carrot into an ovenproof dish.

Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.

Give the dish a good toss and pop in the oven for 10 minutes (give it a good shake every now and then).

Remove from the oven, stir through the pesto, then place the salmon fillets on top. Divide the butter into 4, placing a small knob on each fillet.

Place back in the oven for a further 10 minutes or until the salmon is firm to the touch.

PER SERVE: CALORIES 1730kJ (413 kcal) | PROTEIN 38.3g | FAT TOTAL 24.3g (SAT FAT 7.6g) | CARBS 6g (SUGARS 5.4g) | SODIUM 194mg

“I’ve created quick and easy shortcuts that you can layer to help you on your way to create fabulous dishes with personality. You can combine the ‘hax’ to suit you as an individual, couple, family and the contents of your pantry. Thus not only saving time, but also space and money.”

– Jax Hamilton. See her fun YouTube video series at www.jaxfoodhax.com

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

TIP Adding the lemon juice after you’ve blitzed your herbs and nuts will ensure you get a vibrant colour to your pesto.

Lemon juice is an acid and tends to remove the colour from herbs if added too early or vigorously.

CASHEW NUT PESTO I make this pesto every week. Why? Because it can be used with so many different dishes. Try it in sandwiches, on pizza, with grilled meats, or drizzle through a good soup. Fabulous on an antipasto platter or tossed through some pasta or mashed potato. Even for breakfast on hot toast with avocado!

MAKES 2 CUPS

CHICKEN, ZUCCHINI AND PESTO SOUP SERVES 4

An easy to prepare beautiful soup filled with texture and flavour.

1 drizzle oil Knob of butter Onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tbsp *Savoury Spice Mash Up Handful of freshly picked thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme) 1 potato, diced 2 cups cooked chicken, diced 2 zucchini, grated 1 tin creamed corn 500ml chicken stock, 1 tbsp cream (optional) 1 tbsp pesto *See www.jaxfoodhax.com

METHOD Pour the oil into a medium-sized saucepan, add the butter. When bubbling, add the onion, garlic and thyme. Cook gently until the onion is soft and the mixture is fragrant.

Add the potato, toss with the onion mixture and cook for a further 4 minutes.

Add the chicken, zucchini, creamed corn and chicken stock.

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. If using, add the cream and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and serve with a drizzle of pesto.

PER SERVE: CALORIES 1910kJ (456 kcal) | PROTEIN 26.1g | FAT TOTAL 27.8g (SAT FAT 8.9g) | CARBS 23.1g (SUGARS 5.9g) | SODIUM 637mg

4 cups freshly picked basil leaves 1 cup unsalted roasted cashew nuts (feel free to use the nuts of your choice – I love cashews) 1 large clove garlic, chopped 150ml olive oil Finely grated zest of 1 large lemon 1 cup finely grated parmesan (you can use lite cottage cheese as a low-fat replacement) Salt and freshly ground black pepper Juice of 1 large lemon METHOD Place basil, nuts, garlic and a little oil in a food processor. If using a hand whiz, make sure you don’t end up with blitzed nuts in your hair!

Pulse until you have a coarse grain. Gently mix through the remaining olive oil, then add the lemon zest.

Spoon through the parmesan, taste, and season with salt and pepper. Add the lemon juice last.

Pop into a jar or container with a lid, pour a little olive oil over the pesto to keep it fresh, then chill.

The flavours will improve with time, so the longer in the fridge (if you can stand it), the better it tastes.

PER 25G: CALORIES 511kJ (122 kcal) | PROTEIN 3.3g | FAT TOTAL 11.4g (SAT FAT 2.6g) | CARBS 1.4g (SUGARS 0.5g) | SODIUM 72mg

Always use a clean knife or spoon when digging in for a puddle of pesto – be warned – it’s the dirty spoon that creates the mould.

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

27

Eat

How can parents help their children grow up with healthy eating habits?

Here are some science-based tips.

HEALTHY HABITS

Parents should avoid strict food rules, and also, conversely, they should not give children the complete freedom to choose their food.

Setting limits on energy-dense foods and drinks in childhood (up to the age of 10) may protect against poor dietary intake and increased body weight. This is best done covertly, by limiting access to food, or restricting portion size, so that the child is unaware.

These tips are from the Ministry of Health report How We Eat, a review of scientific evidence on the effect of selected eating behaviours on diet and body size. The report looks at breastfeeding, parenting style, adult role modelling, mealtimes and food literacy. Download the full document at: http://bit.ly/2stOhh7

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

Restricting a child’s intake when they appear to eat too much, or pressuring a child to eat when they appear to eat too little, are counterproductive, as these coercive practices can lead to poor dietary behaviours and increased body weight.

Eating a wide variety of foods and flavours, including bitter vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, while pregnant and/or breastfeeding, can improve a child’s acceptance of vegetables in early childhood.

Eating a healthy breakfast daily in childhood can lead to improvements in academic performance.

Watching TV while eating increases food intake in children, adolescents and adults, even in the absence of food advertisements. This effect may also be present with other screens, such as computers and phones.

Regular frequency of eating – three or more times a day – may be related to lower body size in children and adolescents.

Big on sweetness. Small on calories Crispy Fruit and Oat Biscuits Preparation 10 mins | Cooking 15 mins | Makes 24 Ingredients

Method

1 cup Equal Spoonful 125g canola spread 1 egg 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots 1/3 cup sultanas 1/2 cup rolled oats 3/4 cup self-raising flour 1/2 cup wholemeal self-raising flour

1. Preheat oven to 160˚C bake. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Combine Equal Spoonful, canola spread and egg in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until combined.

2. Stir in the dried apricots, sultanas, oats and self-raising flour.

3. Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls, place on the baking trays and flatten with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Suggestions: For a hint of chocolate, add 1/4 cup choc-chips with the dried apricots and sultanas.

The essential ingredient Equal Spoonful has almost no calories and measures spoon-for-spoon like sugar.

Perfect for your recipes, cereals and drinks.

Visit our ore for m website tion on a m r info ucts our prod es. & recip

club

.co.nz

Energy 345 kJ • Protein 1.4 g • Fat 4.2 g • Saturated Fat 0.7 g Carbohydrates 9.4 g • Sugars 0.7 g • Sodium 95 mg

Eat

EMOTIONAL EATING Diabetes dietitian Helen Gibbs explains the link between emotions and over-eating.

K

aren was tearful from the start of her appointment.

She had gained 12 kg after starting on insulin for her type 2 diabetes six months earlier.

She was taking 120 units of insulin a day, but her HbA1c remained high.

The 62-year-old carer choked up with tears when I asked what she wanted from the appointment.

After time, tissues, and a glass of water, she began to tell me her story.

“I had such good intentions to have breakfast before I came today but I ran out of time. I realised I was going low, so I pulled in at a petrol station and picked up a sandwich, which is OK, but I also bought lollies and a soft drink, you must think I am such a bad person.”

Through tears she told me about the last 18 months. Her diabetes wasn’t under control, which meant she had to move onto insulin to control her blood sugar levels.

30

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

She was struggling at home too because she had finally agreed her intellectually disabled son, Tane, should go into supported living.

“Everyone said to me I would have plenty of time to look after myself – but I can’t stop binge eating every night. I used to do it when he was there, but only on bad days. Now it’s almost every night. I said I would stop when I started the insulin, but I couldn’t. Look at me now, I am a failure.”

I didn’t think she was a bad person or a failure – just sad, tired and hurting. I told her it was natural to be struggling with such a big change in her life but that perhaps she hadn’t made space for the grief she felt after Tane left home, she hadn’t processed this huge decision.

We didn’t talk much about nutrition at Karen’s first session but she agreed to keep a food, mood and hunger diary. I also referred her to a colleague for brief intervention therapy (see panel).

Two weeks later I asked her if she had seen any pattern in her food and mood diary. She thought about it and said: “I start every morning saying I am going to be the perfect diabetic and only eat healthy food.

But by the afternoon I’m feeling

hungry and I start snacking. Once that happens I get upset and eat more because I am feeling upset, does that sound silly?”

These are the classic symptoms of a binge-fast cycle. Luckily there are techniques Karen could use to reduce the likelihood of it happening in the future.

We worked through a typical day and she set the following goals: • Eat a breakfast that includes whole grains and protein foods and a serving of fruit or vegetable.

• Plan snacks if going longer than six hours between meals • Have her main meal at midday • Walk for 10 minutes after each meal to help bring down her blood glucose.

This helped Karen break her binge-fast cycle during the day.

However we identified that she was still in the habit of nighttime eating. I asked her why she thought she was doing this? On reflection Karen realised that she was bored, without her son there in the evenings. I asked her to think about how she could fill that space with something positive.

On her final visit Karen was full of news. She had found the brief intervention counsellor very useful. He had suggested she return to the parent support group she left when her son had to go into supported accommodation. Karen had been asked if she wanted to train as a peer supporter for other parents.

“I’m working with two families with small children. I’m like a grandma and coach rolled into one. I’m either on the phone or writing in the evening. The parent support coordinator says I should write a blog of my experiences, to help other parents.”

I asked how she was feeling.

“I am sometimes still sad, I miss Tane, especially after our Sunday visit but I am so happy I can help others. I feel like I have a purpose again.”

Although Karen’s 3 month HbA1c was far from perfect it was much improved. Beforemeal tests were under 8 and some close to 4, which meant she could reduce her insulin.

Karen had got stuck because she was experiencing difficult emotions and needed support dealing with those feelings.

When you are stuck you may feel that nothing can help you but there are many ways of getting support, including brief intervention, support groups, and online resources.

The main challenge for Karen, who believed she lacked willpower, was to identify the emotions and/or situations that drove her to overeat. This helped her find ways to overcome these and bring her eating back under control.

BRIEF INTERVENTIONS Brief interventions are shortterm interventions that aim to address a specific concern in just a few sessions. These interventions tend to focus on the present and aim to address a specific problem using a range of approaches. Talk to your diabetes team or GP if you think you would benefit from brief intervention counselling.

INTRODUCING

“Taking Oat-activ® for 8 weeks has helped me lower my bad (LDL) cholesterol from 4.2 to 2.6, naturally!**” KEVIN BRADDOCK, TRIAL PARTICIPANT

WORKS WITH THE DOUBLE ACTION OF PL ANT STEROLS AND BETA GLUCAN TO REDUCE CHOLESTEROL ABSORPTION *

SIMPLY TAKE TWO SACHETS A DAY! One for breakfast, and one as a snack or smoothie across the day Recipes on packs Find Harraways Oat-activ® Single Sachet Oat Packs in all good New World and Pak'n'Save stores nationwide. *To reduce cholesterol absorption take Harraways Oat-activ® as part of your daily in-take of 3g Beta Glucan or 2g or plant sterols. **Oat-activ® was taken as part of a heart healthy dietary change.

Serving suggestion

Inspire

BAGS OF STYLE

Bridget Scanlan set up her own fashion bag business after being diagnosed with diabetes. Rose Miller met the young “dia-preneur” to find out more.

T

here was no history of diabetes in Bridget Scanlan’s family, so her diagnosis seven years ago came out of the blue. She knew nothing about type 1 diabetes, or how her life was going to change.

It was a steep learning curve but now, at the age of 27, Bridget has come into her stride and has been inspired by her experience to start an exciting new business.

I met up with Bridget in central Wellington to talk about her diabetes journey and how it has led to a new venture making fashion bags that discreetly carry a diabetes-testing “kit” so young women can enjoy a night out without embarrassment.

At the time Bridget was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 20, she was studying for a business degree at Massey University. She and her friends were starting to celebrate their 21st birthdays, and getting “glammed up” for parties meant wearing great dresses and fabulous accessories.

Bridget tells me she had to go to parties carrying the functional “cube” her diabetes team had supplied to hold her blood testing equipment.

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

Keeping you together: The KYT bag opens flat for easy access to everything in the kit, as shown in this prototype.

“We’d go to these parties and bars, and when we were dancing, we’d throw our bags into the middle of our circle and there was my big ugly cube among everyone else’s fashionable bags,” she explains.

It was during these late-night parties that a seed was planted that has now grown into the bagmaking business that she has just launched.

By 2015, Bridget was studying at NZ Fashion Tech in Wellington.

Having looked around for bag options and finding nothing she wanted to carry, Bridget decided to design something for herself.

“The bags available for sale at the time were too clinical, too cumbersome, and didn’t look the part for a fashion-conscious young woman. I wanted a bag that married fashion and function,” she says.

Bridget got working on some designs, came up with her first bag and soon realised her idea had business potential.

In 2017, Bridget was accepted into Project Fashion Wellington, an initiative where she had access to a fully equipped studio and business mentors. Here she had the chance to develop her bags and take them to the catwalk. She named her range KYT (Keeping You Together).

Bridget was accepted into a

business incubator programme and showed her bags to the diabetes community for feedback and refinement as part of the product development process.

During focus groups, young T1D women shared their stories of going out socialising.

“Some of them said they’d just go out without a diabetes kit at all because it wouldn’t fit into their handbags, or their blood testing equipment would just be swimming around loose in the bottom of their bags,” remembers Bridget. “I realised then what a difference my bags could make to their lives.”

Bridget showed me two beautifully soft handbag prototypes, crafted from quality leather. Her design is simple but clever: two pouches snap together – one for gear such as keys, lipstick and phone, while the other is designed with pockets for everything a person with T1D would need to carry. It zips completely flat for easy access to everything in the kit and there’s a special space for sharps. A detachable leather strap completes the bag, which can also be carried as a clutch.

Bridget says she is lucky to have had some incredible mentors whose advice has enabled her to move her initial idea through to production phase. This included

a connection she made with Mike, a fourth-generation leather craftsman whose work was seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. “Mike shared so much knowledge with me – I’m so grateful for his time,” she says.

Bridget also partnered with another New Zealand company, Duffle & Co, to produce her diabetes bags through a familyrun workroom in Bali, which has a focus on sustainable and ethical practices.

The first bags will be made from soft black leather, with new colours and materials planned in the future, including canvas and vegan leather. She’s also looking at expanding her range to include options for T1D men – possibly a messenger-style bag.

Bridget has gone from a scared newly diagnosed twentyyear-old to a confident young businesswoman and she hopes she can help other young people.

“My KYT range comes from a real need that I’ve experienced personally. I hope it’s a way to empower others living with diabetes as well,” she says.

People have expressed interest in buying Bridget’s bags from the USA, Australia, the UK, Canada and Japan, and KYT is now her full-time project. At the time of writing, she was taking preorders at www.kytbags.com.

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

33

Technology

NEW METERS Here is a quick guide to what is happening with your CareSens meter and the timeline for any changes.

Compatible test strips

Tests

CareSens N

Blood glucose

Current meters CareSens N Meter CareSens N POP Meter

New meters with bluetooth functionality

N

ew Zealanders with diabetes now have a choice of four free CareSens blood glucose meters and test strips, including a new dual meter that measures both blood glucose and ketones.

Two new meters are now available, the CareSens N Premier and CareSens Dual, along with two already funded models – CareSens N and CareSens N Pop. But from 1 August 2018, the CareSens II, Freestyle Optium Neo and Accu-Chek Performa meters and their test strips will no longer be funded and all current Special Authorities will no longer be valid.

People using the CareSens II may be eligible for an upgrade to one of the other funded meters.

If you are using a CareSens meter for glucose testing and a Freestyle Optium for ketones, you can change to the new CareSens Dual meter.

If you do need to change your meter you can do this at a

CareSens N Premier

CareSens N

Blood glucose

CareSens Dual

CareSens PRO and KetoSens

Blood glucose and blood ketone

community pharmacy and there won’t be any charge as long as you collect it before 31 July 2018.

The new meters were introduced in February and will be funded until 2022.

Pharmac Deputy Medical Director Dr Bryan Betty says blood glucose meters are used by about 120,000 New Zealanders every day, and most people won’t have to change the meter they currently use.

“For some people the changes will mean a technology upgrade to meters that have additional features including Bluetooth connectivity,” he explains.

“We’ve made sure that these meters meet international standards for blood glucose meters and test strips. The meters were also tested by New Zealand laboratories before they were considered for funding.

“We’ve consistently engaged with a wide range of stakeholders throughout the funding process, drawing heavily on feedback received.”

TIMELINE 1 February 2018 Transition period: The new CareSens N Premier and CareSens Dual meters were made available.

31 July 2018 Transition period ends.

CareSens II meters and CareSens strips, Freestyle Optium Neo meters and Freestyle Optium blood glucose/ketone test strips, and Accu-Chek Performa strips no longer funded.

1 August 2018 CareSens are the only funded meters and test strips for blood glucose and ketones.

If you have questions about the CareSens range of new, funded meters, see www.pharmacodiabetes.co.nz/new-meters

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

Donate

Diabetes NZ’s Jenni Anderson explains how you can claim back up to 33% of your charitable donations in tax credits.

REBATE TIME

D

id you know that you can claim back up to a third of the money you’ve donated to Diabetes NZ or any other charitable organisation over the past four years?

Claiming a tax rebate for your donations is quick and easy, and you can claim back up to 33% of the total donations you’ve made.

For example, if you have given $3,000 in one financial year, you might get $1,000 back in your bank account. And, if you are feeling generous, you could choose to give this cash refund to your favourite charity as a new donation and claim a third of it back next year!

You can claim a tax credit if you made a donation of more than $5 to an approved charitable organisation where there is no identifiable direct benefit to you or your family.

Diabetes New Zealand is an approved organisation and our Charities Commission number is CC11432.

You will need an official receipt from the organisation. Contact us on 0800 34 22 38 if you need a receipt for the last financial year, or the previous three financial years.

Here’s how to claim the tax on your donation: 1. Go to the Inland Revenue Department’s website www.ird.govt.nz and download the tax credit claim form IR526.

2. You will need your IRD number, your bank account number, and receipts for donations.

You don’t need to do the calculations, IRD will do them for you.

3. Post the form to Inland Revenue, PO Box 39090, Wellington Mail Centre, Lower Hutt 5045 If you have any questions, or would like to make a new donation, email us at fundraising@diabetes. org.nz, call 0800 34 22 38 (0800 DIABETES) or go to www.diabetes.org.nz.

We need your help to help them A diabetes diagnosis can be scary, overwhelming and confusing. It’s a steep learning curve whatever kind of diabetes you have.

We want Kiwis to know they are not alone, we are here to help them live well with diabetes and support their journey every step of the way.

But Diabetes NZ needs your help to continue this vital work. As a charity, every dollar we raise is crucial in the fight to reduce the impact of diabetes in New Zealand.

Your generous gift will improve the day-to-day lives of people living with diabetes and help us to spread the prevention message far and wide.

Please support our work today:

H Give securely at www.diabetes.org.nz or call 0800 342 238.

w

Donate via Westpac 03 0584 0197985 09 – use your full name as reference.

m Send a cheque to Freepost Diabetes NZ, PO Box 12441, Wellington 6144.

Move

STEP UP THE SUPPORT I

Fitness expert Craig Wise explains the importance of having an activity buddy.

36

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

t seems that every four years many sports have their big events, whether it’s the Olympics, Commonwealth Games or World Cups. We sit and cheer for our heroes as they put their bodies on the line for their game or event.

What we don’t see are the hours of hard work they have put in – and the support they have had from family and friends who have stood at the sidelines whatever the weather, driven them to and from training, and kept them mentally upbeat when things got tough.

We don’t need to be a professional sports star to need some help and encouragement. After my break from exercise (see Craig’s article in Autumn 2018), I needed to get myself back into action mode again.

I can tell you it’s not easy. So, I did what every one of those professional sportspeople do, I turned to my support crew to get me moving.

There are many reasons why having a support person is so important – to motivate, make things fun, or compete against.

Support people can come in many forms from friends and family (our most important resource), to the sales people at local sports stores, boot camps, walking clubs or charity and event organisers. You can also ask your GP to prescribe a Green Prescription.

WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT HAVING AN ACTIVITY PARTNER?

Motivation and accountability – Sometimes the going gets tough and you need a little push to keep moving in the right direction.

Having someone right there keeping you on track can be the key to breaking through. As a mobile personal trainer there are many times that I have turned up

Craig’s tips for picking the perfect activity partner •

Choose someone who is of a similar level of health, fitness and ability – or you could be held back or pushed too hard, which can lead to disappointment or injury.

•

Your activity partner doesn’t have to be your husband, wife or best friend, but you need to have an emotional tie and it needs to be someone who you wouldn’t want to let down. If you feel a level of responsibility or commitment towards your activity partner you are more likely to follow through, even on those days when you don’t feel like it.

•

Choose someone who you trust. The last thing that either of you want is your fitness failures becoming a social nightmare.

•

Check time compatibility – make sure you choose an activity partner who has times to exercise when you do. And make sure that you both write your activity time in diaries, that way other commitments won’t creep into your time together.

•

Find someone who you can laugh with through the tough times. It’s true what they say – laughter really is the greatest medicine.

Healthy habits for kids My nine-year-old son wants his own Fitbit, so he can track his exercise and sleep just like mum.

So it’s great to see Fitbit launching the first wearable device for kids aged 8 and older, helping families stay active together.

The Fitbit Ace™ has daily activity and sleep tracking, motivating challenges, up to five days battery life, and parental controls to safeguard kids’ privacy. Now available in New Zealand, it’s RRP is $149.99.

HELPING KIDS STAY ACTIVE

at a client’s house and the only reason that they are working out that day is because I have knocked on their door and got them going.

Socialisation – Activity time passes much quicker when it is done with a buddy and often the length of the activity extends because as we all know “time flies when you are having fun”.

Walking with music in your ears is enjoyable but walking and talking with a friend has greater mental health benefits.

The pick-me-up – Should you fail or hit the wall, a partner is there to get you back on track.

A good activity partner will be the one who tells you to put down the sausage roll and strap back on your running shoes.

Strengthening relationships – Joint activities and shared stories of battle scars received on the pathway to health and fitness can strengthen relationships with those on the journey with you.

Taking risks – If you are unsure about joining a local club or learning something new like salsa dancing, it’s much less of a daunting task if you are going into it with a friend.

In 2011 a study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise showed that the exercise habits of people you know has a positive (or negative) influence on your activity habits. So getting up and moving might just be the thing to help those around you to do the same.

Track their activity: Provide kids with motivation to move by tracking steps, active minutes and sleep stats, and set customisable goals. The World Health Organization recommends children ages 7-17 get 60 minutes of daily physical activity, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest 9 to 12 hours of sleep a night.

Remind them to move: Reduce sedentary time by setting up personalised reminders that nudge them to get at least 250 steps each hour with a small buzz when they’ve been sitting on the couch or in front of a screen for too long.

Reward them for moving: Encourage kids to achieve their goals by rewarding them with celebratory messages and fun, collectible badges, which can be seen in the Fitbit app on their (or your) phone.

Motivate them: Kids can compete against family or friends in daily and weekend challenges, or in a Family Faceoff – a 5-day step challenge that allows members in a family account to compete against each other and stay motivated (coming soon).

DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

37

CONTACT LIST 2018 DIABETES NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL OFFICE (04) 499 7145 PO Box 12441 Wellington 6144 admin@diabetes.org.nz www.diabetes.org.nz For general enquiries 0800 DIABETES (0800 342 238)

Branches marked with a * have youth teams and/or representatives UPPER NORTH ISLAND Auckland* PO Box 13578, Onehunga, Auckland 1643 0508 DIABETES (0508 342 2387) (09) 622 0551 office@diabetesauckland.org.nz www.diabetesauckland.org.nz Support: Phone support with nurse.

Support groups across Greater Auckland, Silver Medal Club celebrating those 50 years on insulin. Healthy Options = Positive Eating (HOPE) courses run in at-risk communities throughout Auckland.

Awareness: Awareness sessions through workplaces as well as community organisations. We attend events to raise awareness about diabetes and diabetes prevention. Mobile Diabetes Awareness Service with free diabetes testing throughout Auckland.

Online Shop: All full members receive 10% off online orders.

Youth: Diabetes Youth Auckland organise camps for children, teenagers and parents.

Education evenings in conjunction with Starship. Events and get-togethers throughout the year for the whole family.

Gisborne PO Box 1029 Gisborne 3801 (06) 867 7341 Contact: Guy Riki (Chair) Rotorua* Taylforth House, 1147 Pukaki Street Rotorua 3010 (07) 343 9950 info@diabetesnzrotorua.org.nz www.diabetesnzrotorua.org.nz Notes: Free drop-in morning tea/support group every Thursday morning between 10am and 12pm.

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DIABETES WELLNESS | Winter 2018

Taupo PO Box 2379, Taupo 3351 Contact: Tim Tumanako (Chair) diabetestaupo@reap.org.nz

SOUTH ISLAND Nelson Youth dnznelsonyouth@gmail.com Otago* 135 Frederick St, Dunedin (03) 474 0240 noeline@diabetes.org.nz

Waikato* 20 Palmerston Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204 (07) 853 9854 diabetesw@xtra.co.nz www.diabeteswaikato.com

Notes: Information & Education Centre open 10am-2pm Monday to Friday.

Notes: Office/drop-in centre open Monday to Friday 9am-12pm for information, pamphlets and products. Services include regional support groups, events and education, support and advocacy.

LOWER NORTH ISLAND Horowhenua 41 Princes St, Levin 5510 (06) 368 8740 diabetesnzhorowhenua@gmail.com Taranaki Area* PO Box 896, Taranaki Mail Centre, New Plymouth 4340 (06) 758 7873 diabetesnztab@xtra.co.nz Wairarapa 021 973 350 juju0@windowslive.com Contact: Julian Heyward (President) Wanganui Community House, 60 Ridgway Street PO Box 102, Wanganui 4541 (06) 281 3195 lizrobertson@infogen.net.nz Notes: Office open 10am–2pm Monday to Friday

South Otago 25 Cromer Street, Balclutha 9230 (03) 418 0803 or 021 383 105 Contact: Colin Ward Southland* 151 Gala St, Invercargill (03) 218 3422 diabetes.southlandfo@xtra.co.nz Notes: Drop-in support centre operates every Friday from mid-January to midDecember. Opening hours are 11am–3pm.

A diabetes nurse is available to take blood glucose and blood pressure readings, discuss problems, and provide other support.

West Coast Greymouth (03) 768 5969 billstanley@xtra.co.nz Contact: Patricia Stanley

AUCKLAND WAIKATO

TARANAKI

TAUPO

ROTORUA

GISBORNE

WANGANUI HOROWHENUA NELSON YOUTH WEST COAST

SOUTH OTAGO SOUTHLAND

WAIRARAPA NATIONAL OFFICE WELLINGTON

OTAGO

HELPING TO MANAGE YOUR DIABETES

Diabete-Ezy Accessories

FreeStyle Optium Blood Glucose and Blood Ketones Testing • FreeStyle Optium Meter Kit • FreeStyle Optium Blood Glucose Test Strips 50’s • FreeStyle Optium Blood Ketones Test Strips 10’s

• • • • •

Frio Cooling Wallets

MedActive Carry Cases

• • • • •

A selection of convenient carry cases for medical supplies.

• Easy Bag Single • iCool Prestige • Easy Bag Classic • iCool MediCube • iCool Weekender

Diabetes Care

Keeps Insulin cool and safe Refrigeration not required Simply activate with cold water Reusable, light and compact Available in five sizes and six colours

Ezy-Fit Carry Case (Blue, Pink & Green) Multi-Fit Carry Cases (Black & Red) Test Wipes Starter Pack Test Wipes Refills Comfy Pump Belts Diabete-ezy™

medactiv transforming lives

Hypo-Fit Glucose Gel

Dexto Energy Glucose Tablets

• Two flavours – Orange and Tropical • 18gram sachets, 13.4grams Carbohydrates • Gluten-Free

• 24 sticks per carton (12 tablets per stick) • Available in four flavours Orange, Blackcurrent, Lemon, Tropical • All with added Vitamin C

HYPO-FIT D I R E C T- E N E R G Y

Order Online: www.mediray.co.nz Freephone: 0800 106 100 Address for Correspondence: PO Box 303205, North Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand

FREE TO BE A KID WITHOUT LANCETS*

Introducing the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system.

Why prick, when you can scan?‡ • Convenient — A small sensor automatically measures and stores glucose readings day and night†† • Discreet — Glucose readings with a 1 second scan even through clothing lothing

§

• User Friendly — With every scan you get your current glucose reading, ading, g the direction directio on n the last 8 hours of glucose data and an arrow showing your glucose is heading.

0800 106 100 mediray.co.nz

Ask your healthcare professional how a FreeStyle glucose meter may assist you. Always read the label and use only as directed. *Scanning the sensor does not require lancets. ‡A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the System or when symptoms do not match the System readings. ††For a complete glycemic picture, scan once every 8 hours. The FreeStyle Libre software, designed to be used in conjunction with FreeStyle Libre reader and sensor, provides a snapshot of glucose patterns and variability; for more information, see the Software page. §The reader can capture data from the sensor when it is within 1 cm to 4 cm of the sensor. †The indication for children (age 4 - 17) is limited to those who are supervised by a caregiver who is at least 18 years of age. The caregiver is responsible for managing or assisting the child to manage the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System and also for interpreting or assisting the child to interpret FreeStyle Libre readings.

For more information call Customer Service on 0800 106 100. FreeStyle and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Information contained herein is for distribution outside of the USA only. Medi’Ray New Zealand, 53-55 Paul Mathews Road, Albany, Auckland 0632 www.mediray.co.nz NZBN 9429041039915 ADC-07478 TAPS No: NA 9883

POLY 12117

Now available for purchase for ages 4 and up.† Order yours today at FreeStyleLibre.co.nz