About Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease characterised by elevated blood glucose levels. It is an increasing global burden for healthcare systems, and it is estimated that about 7% of adults worldwide have the disease [1].


Diabetes can lead to a range of complications. These include damage to small blood vessels around the body, termed 'microvascular' complications, which can cause for example: problems in the retina of the eye (which can lead to blindness); damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to renal (kidney) failure and the need for dialysis; and nerve problems to the feet leading to reduced feeling and risk of ulceration and amputation.


Perhaps however the biggest burden of diabetes is the problems it can cause to larger blood vessels, termed 'macrovascular' complications. These include arterial disease in the legs and coronary heart disease. People with diabetes have a greatly increased risk of heart disease, which is a major cause of death in this group.


However, studies have also shown the risks of these complications can be considerably reduced with good control of blood glucose levels, an appropriate diet and exercise, and quality long-term follow-up by medical professionals.


In New Zealand, data from the Ministry of Health estimated that there were approximately 157,000 people living with diabetes in New Zealand in 2006 [2]. As examples, this is more than the populations of major New Zealand centres such as Dunedin and Hamilton, and larger than the population of many regions in New Zealand [3]. It is suspected however that a number of people are living with diabetes and are unaware they have the disease. Thus, more accurate estimates of the number of New Zealanders with diabetes can only be gained from a properly conducted random survey.

 

For further information on diabetes we recommend these websites:

International Diabetes Federation:
http://www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?node=4

Diabetes New Zealand:
http://www.diabetes.org.nz/about_diabetes

Diabetes UK:
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/What_is_diabetes/

American Diabetes Association:
http://www.diabetes.org/about-diabetes.jsp

 

References cited in this page:

  1. International Diabetes Federation: http://www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?node=264
  2. See: http://www.nzssd.org/prevalence.html
  3. Statistics New Zealand 2006 Census Data: http://www.stats.govt.nz/census/2006-census-data/final-counts/default.htm