Diabetes NZ Backs National Diabetes Roadmap

Diabetes NZ is welcoming the launch of Health New Zealand’s National Diabetes Roadmap released today, as an important step towards equitable diabetes care. The National Diabetes Roadmap will guide the development of a detailed action plan, implementing evidence-based interventions over the next five to 10 years.

Having been involved in its development since inception, Diabetes NZ supports the roadmap’s aim to reduce the burden of diabetes on patients and whānau and the wider health system.

“We are thrilled to see the National Diabetes Roadmap come to fruition, recognising the need for a strategic, long-term approach to address the growing health needs of New Zealanders with diabetes,” Diabetes NZ CEO Heather Verry says.

"Our mission is to ensure people with diabetes have equitable access to affordable, quality diabetes care and education, and this roadmap strongly aligns with the work we are already delivering in communities.”

Diabetes NZ’s network of Kaiāwhina Mate Huka (Diabetes Community Coordinators) work closely with local iwi, Maori, Pacific and primary healthcare organisations to deliver diabetes support in high-risk communities.

The National Diabetes Roadmap highlights the importance of community delivery, as well as investment in workforce and training, with a focus on diabetes-specific kaiāwhina.

“Expanding the capability of the kaiāwhina workforce will further support people with diabetes, and we hope to see further funding for this important work,” says Ms Verry.

Diabetes New Zealand is a charitable trust that represents and supports people living with diabetes. The organisation has been supporting Kiwis with information and resources to help identify and manage diabetes symptoms for more than 60 years.

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