Strong Turnout for Diabetes Walk/Run

November 13, 2014

Strong Turnout for Diabetes Walk/Run

Despite predicted thunderstorms, a strong crowd turned out for the Youth Diabetes Fun Run and Walk around the Town Basin loop walkway on Wednesday evening, far exceeding organisers’ expectations.

Northland DHB Diabetes Services clinical nurse specialist Liz Allen says 511 people registered to take part in the event, which aimed to raise public awareness of diabetes in youth, as well as raise money towards camps for young Northlanders with diabetes. Around $1,800 was raised with more donations still to come.

“This was a huge response for any event and far exceeding our expectations and even the sun came out, despite the forecast for rain, winds and possible thunder. It’s amazing what Northland will do for a good cause.”

There are more than 9,000 people with diabetes in Northland - that’s six per cent of the total population and it’s estimated to increase by 72 per cent between 2009 and 2026. There are approximately 130 children and youth under the age of 25 in the secondary diabetes services, with the majority having type one diabetes.

The fun run/walk was organised by Diabetes NZ Northland and Diabetes NZ Northland-Youth with the support of Northland Health Diabetes Service staff to draw attention to the types of diabetes and their causes to counter discrimination and provide contacts and support.

“It’s a hard road for many and the camps provide an opportunity for much-needed friendships, education and support. They learn about their diabetes management, enjoy healthy food and outdoor activities,” says Ms Allen.

Scott Burdett was 18 when he was diagnosed with diabetes ten years ago and has found the camps beneficial.

“The camps are very informative. I have learnt a lot – how to prepare meals that are healthy, yet delicious and, as a result, my blood sugar levels are the best they have been while on camp. I’ve also made a lot of friends in similar situations.”

Says Ms Allen: “We would like to thank everyone who supported the event and made it such a success. If anyone missed the opportunity to make the event, we hope to hold it again next year.”

The 4.2km fun run and walk set off from the Canopy Bridge, Town Basin and ended with spot prizes for both kids and adults from the many sponsors.

When Toni Mitchell’s only child, daughter Aayden, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five, she thought her world was caving in around her.

A long grieving process followed while adjusting to the lifestyle change over the last year.

“It’s been a massive learning process and I’m still learning,” says Toni.

Toni recalls the first signs anything was amiss when Aayden was constantly hungry, drinking ‘ridiculous amounts of water’, lost quite a lot of weight in a month and had stomach pains.

Although diabetes doesn’t run in the family, the Northland DHB radiographer had an inkling it might be diabetes when she was diagnosed some weeks later.

Following the diagnosis and shock, came the lifestyle upheaval.

As well as changing her dietary habits, Aayden required three insulin injections a day.

“The first time she was screaming – she was absolutely petrified,” recalls Toni. “But now she can inject herself and that has proven easier than the dietary changes.

“Her mood changes when her blood sugars are high and when they’re low, she gets quite shaky and loses the colour in her face.

“The biggest challenge for us is making her life as normal as possible.”

Despite being the only pupil at Maunu Primary School with diabetes, Toni has been ‘blown away’ by all the support.

Aayden and Toni took part in the Youth Diabetes Fun Run and Walk this week and were joined by a strong turnout from the school, including the principal.

“This is something she will have to live with for the rest of her life and I’m so incredibly proud of her. She’s got this strength and tolerance and perseverance. Kids are so adaptable. When we were first in hospital I couldn’t stop crying and she said ‘Mum, don’t be sad, just smile’.”

ENDS

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