Diabetes is defined by the body's inability to control blood
glucose. Type 1 diabetes is primarily an inherited condition
generally diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes is usually
thought of as an adult disease, but is increasingly being diagnosed
in children.
Obesity increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,
although a family history of diabetes is also a major risk
factor. Diabetes can have potentially serious complications
and is often associated with obesity, high blood pressure, gout and
high cholesterol. It is estimated that 4.4% of people in the
Canterbury DHB area have diabetes, and that more than 200,000
people have been diagnosed with the disease (predominantly Type 2
diabetes) in New Zealand.
There are significant disparities in the prevalence and outcome
of diabetes in New Zealand. Māori, Pacific and Asian people
have higher rates of diabetes than other New Zealanders, and
significantly higher hospitalisation and mortality rates.
Diabetes is also associated with socio-economic deprivation,
with people from the most deprived areas being more than twice as
likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than the least deprived.
Incidence and mortality rates for Type 2 diabetes are expected
to increase over the next 20 years (along with pre-diabetes,
insulin resistance, and obesity). The biggest impact will be
on Māori, Pacific people, and those living in deprived
neighbourhoods. Worldwide, it is estimated that up to 80% of
Type 2 diabetes is preventable by appropriate lifestyle
changes.
Read the
full issue summary for diabetes [PDF] - updated March
2013.