Clever Kiwi Creation Combating Diabetes Confusion

Clever Kiwi Creation Combating Diabetes Confusion

The nation’s largest and fastest growing health issue is anything but simple, but now Kiwis with type 2 diabetes have an easier way to understand and control the condition, with new app Type 2 Diabetes Xplained.

Embracing modern technology and simple storytelling techniques, this brand new tool created just for New Zealanders translates complex ‘doctor speak’ into practical information.

Illustrated by world-class graphic artists, the app is designed to be an upbeat and interactive way of digesting complex information through the real-life journeys of two Kiwis with type 2 diabetes.

Dr Kim Chilman-Blair’s company Medicine X, with support from healthcare company Sanofi, created the app to help Kiwis understand and manage their condition.

“Understanding type 2 diabetes is an essential first part of the process, particularly for the estimated 29% of people who don’t have their condition under control.1 Type 2 diabetes is called the ‘invisible disease’ for good reason – as it often goes unnoticed until the condition is quite advanced.

“Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe complications including blindness and amputations,” says Chilman-Blair.

“With Type 2 Diabetes Xplained we really want to reach out to people who struggle to understand what type 2 diabetes means – and how it affects them, and importantly to encourage long-term management of their condition.”

Last year, nearly 9,000 New Zealanders were diagnosed with diabetes, bringing the total number affected to an estimated 260,000 – 90% of whom have type 2.2 While all ethnicities are at risk, Māori are significantly more likely to develop the disease1, which is why Medicine X has produced Type 2 Diabetes Xplained in Te Reo Māori as well as English.

Dr Chilman-Blair trained as a doctor and practiced at Starship Children’s Hospital, before moving into a new career developing apps to explain medical information through storytelling. She says all apps they develop, including Type 2 Diabetes Xplained, aim to allows users to learn about their condition at their own pace, and in a way people can understand from the beginning, using straightforward language and appealing imagery.

“As a doctor I know first-hand how confusing it can be for someone when they’re diagnosed with a new condition. Storytelling is a centuries-old way of sharing information and a great way to cut out medical jargon and complicated terminology, which is the approach we have taken with Type 2 Diabetes Xplained.

“Sharing real-life stories and experiences of others with type 2 diabetes is a powerful way to engage not only those who have the condition, but their support networks.”

Both ‘stars’ of Type 2 Diabetes Xplained agree knowledge and support are essential for managing the condition.

“Every person with type 2 diabetes should know that they are not alone and to talk with other people who have diabetes and share their experiences,” says Hare, whose story features on the app.

Hare was diagnosed in 2007 and through the support of his family and co-‘star’ Lisa , he has managed his condition. Lisa on the other hand has been diabetic for more than 20 years but it wasn’t until she lost her vision three years ago that she began to take the condition seriously and learnt what she needed to keep it under better control.

Developed by medical doctors, Type 2 Diabetes Xplained contains the most up-to-date medical information, and has been peer reviewed by leading New Zealand medical experts, including diabetes specialist Dr Rinki Murphy.

“Type 2 Diabetes is a complicated issue and unfortunately many who have the disease are confused about the condition, or don’t understand how to manage it to reduce the risk of complications,” says Murphy, who specialises in diabetes at Counties Manukau DHB.

“The first step to controlling diabetes is to understand it, so this new app is important for all people with type 2 diabetes – not just those who have been newly diagnosed.”

Type 2 Diabetes Xplained is designed to reach as many people as possible, and is free for all New Zealanders to view online at ww.type2diabetesxplained.co.nz or download at the App Store or Google Play.

ENDS

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