Mate Huka (Community Education – Pre and Type 2 Diabetes)

Pre and Type 2 Diabetes is a one-off self-management education session to empower those at risk of, and with type 2 diabetes to be actively engaged in managing their condition and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

This service will help with:

• The facts and myths about diabetes

• Diabetes treatments and how to lower the risk of long-term complications

• Understanding your numbers: blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol

• Managing physical activity

• Motivation and setting goals

• Healthy eating with practical tips

• Emotional well-being

• What support options are available to you and how to access them

About diabetes:

There are approximately 260,000 people living in Aotearoa with diabetes. Around 10% of these have type 1 diabetes, and 90% have type 2 diabetes. Approximately 50 people are diagnosed with diabetes each day in Aotearoa. Only 50% of people with diabetes know that they have it.

Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. Over time, this can cause damage to blood vessels and as a result to eyes, feet, kidneys, the heart, and the brain if it is not well controlled. There are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 2 diabetes–most common. Type 2 diabetes is mostly seen in adults but is now appearing in children as obesity increases. In this type, the pancreas is not working effectively to produce insulin (the hormone required to manage blood sugar levels)

2. Type 1 diabetes–the pancreas stops producing insulin, so patients require insulin injections from diagnosis. Mostly starts in childhood and is not related to body weight

3. Gestational diabetes–occurs when a pregnant woman can’t produce enough insulin and therefore has high levels of glucose in her blood. This can affect the baby and results in the mother having an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future

Key Points:

• Diabetes is common and many people do not know they have it. Check with your nurse or doctor about a screening test

• 80% of all Type 2 diabetes is preventable if we keep to a healthy body weight, eat healthier foods and keep physically active

• Pre-Diabetes is a risk factor for developing diabetes and can often be reversed by making the right lifestyle changes

• Early treatment is important to reduce damage to your eyes, kidneys, heart, feet, and brain

• Attend a Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes information session and learn as much as you can

How to access the service:

To access the service, you can self-refer by emailing info@nbph.org.nz or calling 0800 731 317. You can also be referred by your general practice (family doctor) or community agency.