Number of Kiwis with type 2 diabetes expected to skyrocket
The number of New Zealanders with type 2 diabetes is expected to increase by 70 to 90 percent over the next 20 years if nothing is done to address the growing epidemic. A new report commissioned by Diabetes New Zealand and several health organisations has found the cost of the disease could balloon to $3.5 billion by 2040 if better systems are not put in place. Pasifika, Māori and Asian populations are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes and their health outcomes will worsen. Dr Jade Tamatea is a diabetes specialist and spokesperson for Te ORA, the Māori Medical Practitioners Association. She spoke to Corin Dann.