Noticeboard

On behalf of the Psychology - Hinengaro Special Interest Group I am both pleased and proud to advise the Diabetes, Eating Behaviours, and Body Satisfaction  Guidance is now live on the NZSSD website    - CLICK HERE. Some of you would have heard the "whistle stop tour" at the recent ASM.

This guidance addresses an unmet need through the development of screening, assessment, and treatment recommendations for tāngata whaiora who live with diabetes and who face challenges with body satisfaction and eating behaviours, regardless of the type of diabetes they have. We have also provided strategies for kaimahi positionality and engagement. 

This guidance was developed by working and consultation rōpū and the approach taken was embedded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles as well as ensuring the voice of lived experience was heard.

This guidance is written for kaimahi (health professionals) working with tāngata whaiora who live with any type of diabetes.

He kokonga whare e kitea, he kokonga ngākau e kore e kitea

A corner of a house may be seen and examined; not so the corners of the heart

We hope you find this useful and we welcome your thoughts and feedback. 

Kia ora koutou,

Dr Jo McClintock  (she/her)

Consultant Clinical Psychologist  |  Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro

President New Zealand  Society for the  Study of  Diabetes

For those wishing to view they are titled "Proceedings of the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes Annual Scientific Meeting 14-16 May 2025, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton" and are found on pages 77 to 90 of the   The New Zealand Medical Journal. 

Thank you for all the incredible mahi and contributions to improving the care and outcomes for those living with diabetes in Aotearoa and for your support of our ASM.

The survey is available to be completed here and will be available until 11/08/2025

Thank you for your interest in our research regarding diet and lifestyle services available to people following a GDM-affected pregnancy. I am pleased to let you know that our survey is now live.

Attached to this email are documents which are able to be used for distribution on various media channels, or copied in to your own format. Please use your preferred method, or feel free to simply forward this email on.

Participation is anonymous and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. All participants will go in the draw to win one of five $100 grocery vouchers.

A Participant Information Sheet is available at the beginning of the survey to provide further details.

Your participation in this research is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at kcrisford@massey.ac.nz or the lead researcher, Dr. Robyn Lawrence at robyn.lawrence@massey.ac.nz or (64-9) 213 6032

Ngā mihi nui,

Katrina Crisford

Student Dietitian, Massey University

AMRF are delighted to invite you to our third speaker series for 2025, where two leading NZ clinical researchers, funded by our Foundation through support from people like you, will present innovative translational research with direct clinical applications for respiratory and gastrointestinal practice.

Discover cutting-edge research moving from laboratory to clinical practice: digital prediction algorithms for asthma exacerbations and minimally invasive electrophysiological mapping for functional GI disorders.

This speaker series is one of four in our AMRF 70th year anniversary events, and celebrates  the awarding of over $100 Million funding of medical research since our inception in 1955.

Register today for this free live event: Click here to secure your spot

Join us at 6pm Wednesday August 6, to explore evidence-based innovations that could transform patient management:

• Dr Amy Chan, AMRF Senior Research Fellow, will present her research on digital biomarkers for asthma attack prediction using consumer-grade technology. With asthma mortality rates plateaued for two decades and exacerbation rates increasing by >30% over the past decade, Dr Chan's work addresses a critical clinical need. Her research harnesses ubiquitous smartphone and wearable device sensors to detect early physiological changes preceding exacerbations—offering potential for proactive intervention before emergency presentation. This is particularly relevant given the disproportionate impact on Māori and Pacific populations (2-3x higher prevalence) and the current reliance on patient self-reporting and peak flow monitoring with limited predictive capability.

• Dr Tim Angeli-Gordon, Auckland Bioengineering Institute, will present breakthrough research in gastrointestinal electrophysiology, addressing the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in functional GI disorders affecting 40% of the global population. Dr Angeli-Gordon will detail the development of a minimally invasive endoscopic device capable of high-resolution mapping of gastric electrical activity—the first tool to provide clinically actionable electrophysiological data without surgical intervention. He will also present data on gastric ablation therapy, adapted from cardiac electrophysiology principles, which targets aberrant electrical circuits underlying gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia. This represents a paradigm shift from symptomatic management to addressing underlying pathophysiology.

FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus has  launched to great success - supporting thousands of New Zealanders living with diabetes improve their glycaemic control. Pharmac has announced that from the 1st November 2025, FreeStyle Libre 2 will be discontinued and replaced by FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus.

MediRay  are in the process of transitioning away from FreeStyle Libre 2 and need your help to upgrade your patients now to experience the benefits our new   FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus   sensor offers:

- Extended 15-day wear time

- Approved from age 2 years and up

- Our most accurate sensor#.1

- Funded by Pharmac for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and some other specified forms of diabetes.

UPGRADE YOUR PATIENTS NOW:    Transitioning your patients to FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is   NOT  an automatic process.

Please complete a new prescription for your patients that are currently on a FreeStyle Libre 2, by writing on the new prescription 'FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus".    The existing Special Authority does NOT need to be changed.

This will avoid the future rush when the current FreeStyle Libre 2 is withdrawn by Pharmac on the 1st November 2025.

If you require any further support, please feel free to contact Kevin Anderson on    021349991 or    kevin@mediray.co.nz  or visit FreeStyleConnect.co.nz.

Kevin Anderson

Division Manager - Diabetes Care

MEDIRAY

www.mediray.co.nz

ECR Connect is a dedicated online weekend workshop targeted at early career investigators to support career, research and professional development among peers. ECR Connect is a joint initiative led by Australian and New Zealand Bone Mineral Society Early Career Investigator Committee (ANZBMS ECIC) in collaboration with the Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA) and Australian Diabetes Society (ADS). 

Please see full details on the attached flyer.

Kia ora koutou

We have received the following communication from the Pharmac Implementation team:

YpsoPump is now iOS compatible

From 10 June 2025, the mobile phone application for the mylife YpsoPump is compatible with iOS phones. 

Factsheet about CamAPS on iOS | Pharmaco website [PDF](external link)

Medtronic (MiniMed 770G) insulin pumps:

People currently using Medtronic MiniMed 770G insulin pumps have until 1 October 2026 to move to a different funded pump.

The 4-year rule does not apply to people moving from Medtronic insulin pumps

The "Maximum of 1 insulin pump per patient each four-year period" rule does not apply for people changing from a funded Medtronic pump to the Tandem or YpsoPump. They can receive a funded pump, even if they got their Medtronic pump less than 4 years ago.

More about insulin pumps, consumables and CGMs | Pharmac website

Please ensure that the brand of funded insulin pumps is chosen carefully.

It is vital that all considerations are made in relation to personal circumstances. Especially important is the difference in algorithms between the two brands which may not be compatible with an individual's needs. The requirement that the Ypso pump requires a smart phone to operate the closed-loop system is also an important factor to consider, as some people may have difficulty operating a phone.

Dulaglutide: New patients from 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, we lifted the "no new patient" restriction from dulaglutide (Trulicity). This follows our earlier decision to re-open access to liraglutide (Victoza) from 1 March 2025.

Eligible people with type 2 diabetes will be able to start using funded dulaglutide or liraglutide. The restriction had been placed on these medicines to help manage the global shortage, which had been caused by rapid increase in demand worldwide.

Questions:

If you have any queries, please contact:   enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please also visit the NZSSD website to view the NZSSD Type 2 Guidance for information on prescribing and monitoring recommendations.

Ngā mihi

Jo McClintock

President

NZSSD

The New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD) and the Diabetes New Zealand Research Foundation (DNZRF) are pleased to announce their joint financial support for up to six NZSSD-DNZRF summer studentships during the 2025/26 summer period.

Kia ora koutou 

I am very pleased to share this news about access to GLP1a dulaglutide.

From 1 July 2025, Pharmac is removing the 'no new patient restriction' on the GLP1a dulaglutide (branded as Trulicity).  This means people with type 2 diabetes, who meet the eligibility criteria, will be able to start on treatment with this medicine.

Learn more about the decision to enable new people to start treatment with dulaglutide for type 2 diabetes.

More information about the ongoing supply issue  is available on the Pharmac website: Dulaglutide(Trulicity) and Liraglutide (Victoza): Supply issue

Please also visit the   NZSSD Type 2 diabetes guidance   for information on when/in which patients it is appropriate to prescribe a GLP1Ra, and prescribing and monitoring recommendations.  

This is great news for people living with type 2 diabetes and the health professionals caring for them.

Ngā mihi nui

Jo

Dr Jo McClintock(she/her)

Consultant Clinical Psychologist |Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro

President - New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes

president@nzssd.org.nz

Click   HERE   to view

NZSSD is currently accepting applications for the following grants:

 1)  Professional Development Award

There are eight awards available per year, two each quarter and are open to NZSSD financial members.  The amount awarded will be at the discretion of the Executive with awards not usually more than $1,500 per individual. An award will be granted to an individual only once within a year.

 This closes on 31 July, 2025.   For more information and to apply  click   HERE

 2)  Registered Nurse Prescribing Development Grant 1 - for Semester 2, 2025

Registered Nurses, with a focus in diabetes care, working toward Registered Nurse Prescribing in Specialist and Primary Care Teams authorisation.

 This closes on 4 July, 2025.  For more information and to apply  click   HERE

 3)  Registered Nurse Prescribing Development Grant 2 -2025

Applications for Nurse Practitioner Practicum 2025

This is open for applications throughout the year.  For more information and to apply  click  HERE

Kia ora koutou

A bit of a mixed bag update but an essential one. Thanks to all who have reached out about the CVD calculator. We have updated the website to prioritise the more accurate and contemporary VAREANZ risk predictor calculator which includes an equation for people with type 2 diabetes.    https://nzssd.org.nz/resources/section/calculators

We have been made aware of a number of deep fakes promoting fake "diabetes medications" that are using NZSSD members names, faces, and voices. This is a serious concern that requires wide spread awareness. Attached is our media release and we would appreciate if you can circulate this on your own or your workplaces social media channels. We also strongly recommend that anyone impacted by these deep fakes contact the NZ Police.

Thirdly, we wanted to comment on the extended prescription period from three to twelve months. This will have a positive impact for many people living with diabetes for a range of reasons. It remains important however that clinical decision making is the basis for  selecting an appropriate  prescribing period and the rationale is communicated clearly to tāngata whaiora to manage any concerns or expectations they may have.

Both the NZSSD executive and I are happy to take any further questions or feedback on these issues.

Ngā mihi,

Jo

Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)

Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro

President - New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes

president@nzssd.org.nz

Warning: Fake Videos Targeting People with Type 2 Diabetes

The New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD) is warning people with type 2 diabetes to be cautious about health advice on social media, especially videos that appear to be from New Zealand doctors.

Please download the PDF for more information.

Click  HERE  to view latest newsletter

Click   HERE   for the latest issue

Welcome to Issue 189 of Diabetes and Obesity Research Review. 

With the flu season upon us, this issue includes research reminding us of the importance of ensuring our patients with diabetes get vaccinated! 

As usual we have attached the PDF, and you can also view the issue online.

Some of the other highlights include:

• Age and sex differences in efficacy of type 2 diabetes treatments
• Child and adolescent overweight/obesity: 1990-2050
• Tree nuts as snacks in young adults at risk for metabolic syndrome

We hope you enjoy the papers selected for this issue and find them beneficial to you and your patients. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome, please continue to send them in.

Kind regards,

Professor Jeremy Krebs

jeremykrebs@researchreview.co.nz

 The Diabetes and Related Conditions  Prescribing Meeting is an opportunity to receive updates on  contemporary  clinical management and  prescribing in diabetes care, and to connect and network with your peers involved or with an interest in diabetes care.  The meeting is open to registered nurses and pharmacists with prescribing current authority and nurse practitioners. 

The meeting will be held at the Novotel Hotel, Auckland Airport on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th August, 2025.

Here is the link to the meeting information and registration site:

https://www.eventleaf.com/e/DiabetesPrescribingMeeting2025

Kia ora koutou

You may have seen the announcement from Pharmac this week about funding changes that will come into affect on 1 May 2025. . 

Freestyle Libre 2 Plus CGM:

From 1 May 2025, Pharmac will be listing the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus CGM as a standalone continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alongside the currently listed FreeStyle Libre 2.
 
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is more accurate than the previous model, it can also be used for longer. The size, phone app, reader, adhesive, and application method are the same as the FreeStyle Libre 2. Everyone who is currently eligible for a funded FreeStyle Libre 2 will be able to switch to the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus.
 
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus can be worn for 15 days - a day longer than the previous model. Because people can wear it for longer, Pharmac is changing how many people can get on a prescription from 29 per year to 28 per year. This aligns the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus with other CGM's that we fund.
 
It will be available from 1 May 2025, and the currently funded FreeStyle Libre 2 will be delisted from November 2025.
 
Please pass this news onto your networks as I appreciate there will be a great deal of interest in this change.
 
More information is on Pharmac's website   here.

Insulin Degludec with insulin aspart (Ryzodeg)

Pharmac is funding a new type of insulin (branded as Ryzodeg) for people with diabetes from 1 May 2025. 

This is a mix insulin with a longer basal insulin combined with insulin aspart. As you know other mix insulins provided by Novo Nordisk have been phased out (PenMix and Mixtard) or will be in the near future (NovoMix)   https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/medicine-funding-and-supply/medicine-notices/insulin

Ryzodeg will be an alternative option that may be beneficial for many people with T2DM. 

Read the full details   here:

The NZSSD Guidance group will be meeting in early May and will ensure all of our guidance documents are updated, with additional information about Ryzodeg. 

Ngā mihi

Rosemary

Dr Rosemary Hall
Endocrinologist, Te Whatu Ora; Wellington and Tairāwhiti
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
 
president@nzssd.org.nz
Secretariat:   Secretary@nzssd.org.nz
NZSSD website: www.nzssd.org.nz

Kia ora koutou

You may have seen the notice from Pharmac yesterday allowing new special authority applications for liraglutide (Victoza) from 1 March 2025. We are very pleased that the special authority criteria will be the same as when SA's were suspended in May 2024. This will again allow us to prescribe according to our national guidelines and best practice, and we all know how beneficial this will be for people living with diabetes. We are assured by Pharmac that the intention is for no further suspensions of special authority criteria for GLP-1 agonists to allow ongoing access for those who meet criteria. It is of course important, as previously, that these medications are prescribed only for people with T2DM so that availability continues. 

The link to detailed information from Pharmac is:

Decision to enable new people to start treatment withliraglutide for type 2 diabetes

Unfortunately, we don't have such good news regarding the global shortage of Glucagon and the limited allocation to Aotearoa NZ. 

Glucagon hydrochloride (Glucagen Hypokit): Supply issue

pharmac.govt.nz

We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. 

Ngā mihi

Rosemary

Dr Rosemary Hall
Endocrinologist, Te Whatu Ora; Wellington and Tairāwhiti
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes

Pharmac:    click  HERE

DNZ:   click  HERE

We know that this decision will also bring some anxiety for our already stretched health system and workforce. NZSSD will provide as much clinical and practical support as we can to enable the process to be as streamlined and equitable as possible. We will keep you informed of education opportunities and guidelines and welcome widespread discussion and resource sharing. 

I have attached our media release. 

Pharmac's information page has details of the revised special authority criteria and processes around transitioning people from Medtronic systems. 

Ngā mihi

Rosemary

Dr Rosemary HallEndocrinologist
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
secretary@nzssd.org.nz

NZSSD website: www.nzssd.org

Please see the attached notice.  

We suggest transferring people over to a new insulin well in advance of 30 September, to avoid any supply issues