The theme for Diabetes Action Month 2021 is Step Up for Diabetes.
Running from 1 – 30 November, Diabetes Action Month is Diabetes New Zealand’s annual public health and awareness campaign that aims to encourage all Kiwis to take action for diabetes. The theme for Diabetes Action Month 2021 is Step Up for Diabetes.
Earlier this year, The Social and Economic Cost of Type 2 Diabetes report found that type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in New Zealand, with diabetes in Aotearoa forecast to rise dramatically over the next 20 years. Globally, diabetes has become the new pandemic. The report also found that regular foot checks and better foot care could prevent more than 600 diabetes-related amputations every year.
“This Diabetes Action Month we will be focusing on foot health, educating the quarter of a million New Zealanders with diabetes on how to take care of their feet to avoid preventable amputations,” says Heather Verry, CEO of Diabetes New Zealand.
“We will also be calling on New Zealanders to Step Up to prevent type 2 diabetes from increasing by 70–90% over the next 20 years, as forecast in the Social and Economic Cost of Type 2 Diabetes report, and help those already living with all types of diabetes to live well.”
Together with our branches, sponsors, supporters, and partners we will be educating New Zealanders with diabetes and their whānau on the importance of regular foot checks and self-care while also raising awareness of diabetes and encouraging prevention through healthy lifestyle choices.
