Doctors welcome diabetes initiative

Doctors welcome diabetes initiative

The New Zealand Medical Association welcomes the HFA campaign to help people with diabetes manage their condition. The "Get Checked" campaign was launched today by Health Minister Annette King.

"People with diabetes should take up the offer of a free annual health check with their GP, to ensure they are managing their health in the best possible way," says NZMA Chairman Dr Pippa MacKay.

"If well managed, people with diabetes can live a full and healthy life. Lifestyle changes may be necessary, and these can be discussed with a doctor."

Dr MacKay said Maori and Pacific Island people were particularly susceptible to diabetes, and the NZMA welcomed the campaign's focus on these key groups.

"The initiatives for these at-risk groups are important as part of the Government's "Closing the Gaps" policy. Maori and Pacific Island people are three times more likely to have diabetes and they have a higher death rate. These types of programmes are essential to help reduce the disparities."

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