Politicians Unite In The Fight Against Diabetes

Diabetes is New Zealand’s biggest health problems and one of the National Government’s top six health targets affecting over 210,000 people in New Zealand (most are undiagnosed).
On Tuesday 16th November opposing political forces will unite for one day in the fight against diabetes. Leading Ministers from the National Party, Maori Party and United Future will join with leaders of the opposing Green Party, Labour Party, Progressive and ACT New Zealand to a positive message to the wider general public about the importance of diabetes awareness by taking time out of their busy schedules to be tested for diabetes in parliament. The event will mark the start of Diabetes Awareness Week 2010 (16th-22nd November).

Date and Time: Tuesday 16th November, 10 – 3 pm (Media photo opportunity: 1pm) High resolution images will also be available for publication after the event Location: Mezzanine between the Banquet Hall and Copperfields Short interviews can be organised on request New Zealand is second in the world behind the United States for life lost to type 2 diabetes and it is estimated that 1 out of 10 adults in New Zealand will suffer from type 2 diabetes in the coming 20 years. Type 2 diabetes affects 90% of people diagnosed with diabetes and it can be prevented and controlled through healthy eating and exercise. Politicians lead extremely busy lives which can result in lack of exercise and ‘snacking’ on the go rather than full meals; the event will also provide useful eating and exercise tips that can incorporated into their everyday routine to lower their risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

“Diabetes is a growing concern in modern society, the symptoms are not always obvious and it is widely undiagnosed. Diabetes Awareness Week is a valuable opportunity for the wider community to learn more about simple lifestyle choices that can be made to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and take time out to seek professional advice if you are diagnosed or concerned about your health” Health Minister, Hon Tony Ryall

“The impact of diabetes is not just on our health and wellbeing. It threatens to affect our economy and workforce due to the long term effects in some people which can include amputation, death, blindness, heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease, not to mention how much it is costing tax payers in healthcare costs.

It is not sustainable and we are eating ourselves into an early grave. Rather than relying on the health system to fix it we need to collectively work together to prevent it. That’s what this year's Diabetes Awareness Week is about, encouraging people to make small progressive steps in the fight against diabetes.” Diabetes New Zealand President, Chris Baty

Diabetes Awareness Week is supported in New Zealand by the Silver Ferns, Kiel Mcnaughton and Ben Mitchell (Shortland Street), Ron Crib (ex All Black), Sir Peter Leitch (AKA Mad Butcher), Kingi Biddle, Buck Shelford and politically Hon Tony Ryall, Hon Turiana Turia, MP Chris Tremain, and MP Tau Henare. Internationally diabetes is supported by A-listers such as Halle Berry, Gordon Ramsay and the Jonas Brothers (quotes of endorsement below).

A fact sheet with New Zealand and world facts as well as eating and exercise tips is attached

’The Silver Ferns recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and encourage fellow New Zealanders to do this too, especially during Diabetes Awareness Week 2010’, Silver Ferns

“Having seen what my sister and brother in law bravely go through every day with their young daughter Maraia's, I am more than conscious of the challenges that people face when dealing with this disease. To realise that Maraia will have to deal with injecting herself with insulin everyday for the rest of her life, is astounding given that she is still such a young girl. And yet, she already deals with the situation as though it is a routine of everyday life. I think the important thing I have realised is that the only reason Mairaia is now able to lead such a happy life in spite of this disease is the fact her parents took the time to learn about the disease and were then able to do everything they could to enable her to live to her potential." Kiel Mcnaughton, ‘Scotty’ from Shortland Street whose 2 year old niece has Type 1 diabetes

"3 and a half years ago I was diagnosed with diabetes. It was a shock. At the hospital, I made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t let it slow me down and it hasn’t slowed me down. Drinking and smoking are not something I want to do. Not only because I have diabetes; it’s not the lifestyle I am into. I love food but every person living with diabetes has foods that won’t work for them [sending your blood sugar soaring]. Mine are pancakes and soda.” Nick Jonas, Jonas Brothers
ENDS

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