Source: University of Otago
This year’s Diabetes Action Month (run by Diabetes New Zealand) is focussed on footcare, identified as a key intervention to help improve the health of those with diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
University staff are being encouraged to put their best foot forward to raise diabetes awareness by taking part in Sneaker Friday.
This year’s Diabetes Action Month (run by Diabetes New Zealand) is focussed on footcare, identified as a key intervention to help improve the health of those with diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Sneaker Friday, on 19 November, seeks to raise awareness around footcare and is being supported by Otago’s Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre (EDOR).
Click here for details on how to support Sneaker Friday
EDOR Co-Director Professor Jim Mann says complications from diabetes result in 600 avoidable amputations a year in this country.
“Amputation is a largely preventable complication of diabetes. You can mitigate most of the risk with good foot care such as regular check-ups, self-care and podiatry.”
Those with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) can be affected by peripheral neuropathy, where nerves in the extremities don’t work as well, so any problems with feet (such as a stone in a shoe) can go unnoticed.
People living with diabetes are also more prone to infection, leading to a risk of foot ulcers and wounds becoming infected, raising the possibility of the need for amputation. That is why regular foot checks and good socks and footwear are so important.
Those with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) can be affected by peripheral neuropathy, where nerves in the extremities don’t work as well, so any problems with feet (such as a stone in a shoe) can go unnoticed.
EDOR last year commissioned the landmark The Economic and Social Cost Of Type 2 Diabetes report in conjunction with Healthier Lives, Diabetes New Zealand and Tony and Heather Falkenstein.
The report also modelled four interventions for preventing or treating type 2 diabetes that will save lives and millions of healthcare dollars, one of which is improved footcare intervention.
“All eyes remain on COVID-19 as a major current global health issue, but NZ is facing a staggering increase in numbers of people with type 2 diabetes and huge costs associated with this disease,” says Professor Rachael Taylor, EDOR Director and member of the expert advisory group for the report.
Key findings of the report:
• More than one million New Zealanders currently have diabetes or prediabetes, and rates are expected to increase by 70-90% in 20 years• Estimated annual cost of diabetes in NZ is $2.1 billion (0.67% GDP), projected to increase by 63% to $3.5 billion in 20 years• A shift towards younger people developing type 2 diabetes is expected to increase the personal and economic impact of type 2 diabetes significantly• Inequities and health outcomes will worsen for Pacific, Asian and Māori populations if no action taken now• Holistic and system-wide response from Government, society and individuals needed urgently to change projected type 2 diabetes prevalence, costs and health outcomes• Four interventions, including improved footcare, could save millions of dollars each, increase life expectancy and improve quality of life for a huge number of New Zealanders
