Media Release

14 November 2008

Ministry of Health marks World Diabetes Day

The Ministry of Health today reiterated its support for the global campaign to raise awareness of diabetes and its impact on children as it joined over 200 member-organisations of the International Diabetes Federation and other member-states of the United Nations in observing World Diabetes Day.

In line with a two-year focus on children and adolescents, this year’s World Diabetes Day campaign aims to raise awareness of the warning signs of diabetes among parents and caregivers, teachers, healthcare professionals and the public. The campaign also seeks to promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent type 2 diabetes in children.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, type 1 diabetes is also growing by three per cent per year in children and adolescents, and at an alarming five per cent per year among preschool children. It is estimated that 70,000 children under 15 worldwide develop type 1 diabetes each year (almost 200 children a day). Currently, an estimated 440,000 children live with type 1 diabetes globally.

More than 250 million people worldwide have diabetes, and this number is expected to more than double by 2030. Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure. The disease also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

“Diabetes can affect children of all ages, including infants and toddlers. Type 2 diabetes was once seen only in adults but it is now on the rise in children and adolescents,” said Dr Sandy Dawson, the Ministry’s Chief Advisor, Clinical Service Development.

“Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes in children and adolescents, the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity for children cannot be over-emphasised.”

“We all know the importance of early diagnosis. But raising awareness among parents and caregivers is just as crucial to reduce complications and to help children with diabetes live full and healthy lives,” he added.

Excess body weight and physical inactivity have been identified as risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

The Government has a number of ongoing initiatives to reduce the incidence and impact of diabetes. One of these initiatives is the Healthy Eating-Healthy Action programme, which promotes a healthy diet, regular physical activity and maintaining a normal body weight.

Fruit in Schools is another initiative to encourage children to eat more fruit and adopt healthier lifestyles. Under this programme, up to 120 schools throughout New Zealand are provided fruit and support over the next three years.


ENDS

For further information, please contact Luz Baguioro: 04 496 2349, 021 802 622