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A new environment for diabetes prevention
The Health Select Committee report on its Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New Zealand is comprehensive and far-reaching, according to Diabetes New Zealand president Mike Smith.
'We welcome their comments and we're very pleased to see that this report addresses the need for a national strategy to prevent Type 2 diabetes, which is something we have long supported,' says Mike.
The Health Select Committee acknowledges the UN Resolution of 20 December 2006 declaring diabetes to be a health issue of international importance and requiring governments to have a prevention and management plan in place. The report cites that pre-diabetes can be reversed, and screening is advised.
'The government has to target funding specifically for diabetes prevention,' says Mike. 'This report outlines a new environment with some great new initiatives and has clearly defined timelines required for these to be implemented. The report also balances obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and we can now begin to address those at high and low risk of Type 2 diabetes.'
Other measures suggested by the Health Select Committee report and supported by Diabetes New Zealand include:
* appointing a commissioner to champion the cause and to manage targets
* placing greater controls on the food industry, and employers and schools than with current government programmes
* acknowledging the true cost of diabetes and obesity.
'Such measures need funding,' concludes Mike. 'We eagerly await the government's response in the next 90 days and the implementation and funding of this report's conclusions.'
For more information contact Mike Smith, President, Diabetes New Zealand, phone 0800 438 6453.
Published on this website on Tue, 04 Sep 2007