Health New Zealand has launched a new National Diabetes Roadmap (‘the Roadmap’) to improve care, strengthen prevention, and support better health outcomes and quality of life for people living with diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the fastest growing long-term health conditions in New Zealand, affecting an estimated 348,000 people.
“Diabetes has a significant impact on people and their families. Too many people are experiencing preventable complications, particularly among our Māori, Pacific and South Asian communities,” says Dr Richard Sullivan, Executive National Director, Clinical, Health New Zealand.
“This Roadmap is about acting early, supporting healthier living, and reducing the avoidable harm diabetes causes individuals and their whānau.”
The Roadmap sets out a direction for the health system that will address the growing health needs of people living with diabetes, and a strong commitment to an equity-focused approach.
It will guide the development of a detailed implementation action plan that will have prioritised actions and initiatives with initial costings over a three-year period. It is based on consultation with people and whānau sharing their lived experience, specialists and clinicians, and health providers. It supports key initiatives underway, including:
A National Diabetes Roadmap Oversight Group will champion the implementation of the Diabetes Roadmap.
89 kaiāwhina participants trained in the UCOL Level 3 Stay Well to Stay Strong Diabetes Care and Prevention, 60 graduated, 29 in training.
Developing a Foot Care Assistant qualification and a specialist workforce to identify and manage early detection of diabetes related foot complications.
Piloting a diabetes retinal photo screening model of care to increase access in primary and community settings and expanding the capability of the kaiāwhina workforce.
Realigning diagnostic thresholds (HbA1c) to match international standards (WHO, ADA) and support improved outcomes through early detection and intervention.
The Roadmap will also support other initiatives including reviewing the role of AI within diabetes retinal scanning (DRS).
Diabetes-related care cost the health system $2.1 billion last financial year. Without change, costs are forecast to double by 2040, placing increasing pressure on the health system and communities.
“We are already seeing an impressive volume of quality work across the community to support better diabetes management. However, without urgently making significant further change, diabetes will continue to drive avoidable hospitalisations, rising costs and poorer health outcomes,” says Dr Sullivan.
The Roadmap sets out five priority areas to be rolled out over the next five to 10 years:
Strong leadership and national coordination
Earlier intervention to slow diabetes progression
Improved access to high-quality, culturally appropriate care
A stronger diabetes workforce and better use of technology
Action on the social and commercial drivers of diabetes.
“At the heart of the Roadmap are Kiwis and their whānau living with diabetes. It is not just a strategy – it’s a commitment to action and supporting wellbeing.
“The Roadmap is a foundation for long-term change. It signals our commitment to reducing diabetes-related harm by strengthening the approach to prevention, increasing access to quality, effective treatments and appropriate supports for a healthier future for all New Zealanders,” says Dr Sullivan.