This November, Diabetes NZ is calling on Aotearoa to come together for its first-ever ‘One Million Minutes’ of movement challenge.

The national charity is encouraging New Zealanders to be part of One Million Minutes of movement by moving in any way they choose, tracking and recording their minutes, adding to a collective target of one million minutes, and encouraging others to sponsor them.

All proceeds will go towards Diabetes NZ’s national and local programmes that support tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau across the motu to live well with diabetes.

Heather Verry, CE of Diabetes NZ, says the number of people being diagnosed with diabetes is growing at a rapid rate, and that includes young people. The need to provide support to people of all ages is more important than ever.

“Being diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is life-changing, and it can feel overwhelming and scary, especially for young people. The latest data released from the national Virtual Diabetes Register (VDR) shows that an estimated 348,500 people are living with diabetes in New Zealand, with around 67 people being diagnosed each day. We’re very concerned about this rising number and the lack of education and resources that are available to support these young people.

“We’re asking Aotearoa to get behind us this November during Diabetes Action Month by signing up to One Million Minutes, or to sponsor someone who is getting involved. While participants are raising awareness about diabetes through movement, they’re also doing something that’s good for their own health. Every minute of movement and every dollar counts.”

One Million Minutes ambassador and professional basketball player Dion Collins is opening up about his diabetes journey and how he is taking part in the challenge this year.

“In 2024, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes while I was on holiday in Bali. At the time, I was really tired and drinking a lot more water, but I just assumed that was due to being an athlete and hard training sessions. I was what many people would consider fit and healthy, so my diagnosis came as a complete shock. It made me realise that anyone can get diabetes.

I’m joining the One Million Minutes of movement challenge to show young people living with diabetes that it’s going to be okay. I’d tell them I know how hard it is, but you will live a normal life and can still chase your dreams like I have. Talk to the people you trust, find your support system, listen to your body and slow down when you need it.

I hope that by opening up about my story, I can help raise awareness about diabetes and encourage others to get tested if they experience any symptoms,” he said.

Dion says around this time of year, he would normally be heading overseas to play basketball, but as he approaches one year since his diabetes diagnosis, he looks forward to staying home and getting to know and understand his diabetes better. That will include switching from daily insulin injections to using a pump, and allowing his body to adjust to the change.

As a participant in the One Million Minutes of movement challenge, he plans to run a few half marathons and continue with his training regimen as his contribution to the collective target of one million minutes.

Movement can be big or small, like walking to work, taking the stairs instead of the lift, going for a run or a bike ride, stretching at a yoga class – how people choose to move is completely up to them.

All participants have to do is keep track of their minutes of movement and upload them to their individual fundraising page.

While participants can be part of the challenge as an individual, they can also join a team with friends and whānau or create a team with their work colleagues. Alternatively, they can join their nearest Diabetes NZ youth team, and the money raised will stay local.

For more information about One Million Minutes of movement and to sign up individually or as a team, visit the One Million Minutes webpage.

Ends

Notes to editors:

· Latest VDR findings from December 2024 revealed that 348,500 people were estimated to have diabetes, with 67 people per day being diagnosed.

· Diabetes New Zealand’s One Million Minutes of movement challenge is a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign running throughout the month of November, to coincide with Diabetes Action Month.

· The campaign aims to raise awareness of diabetes and show support for people living with diabetes.

· All proceeds will go towards Diabetes NZ programmes such as Live Brave Mana Ora camps for tamariki and rangatahi living with diabetes.

· Participants will choose a form of movement for the challenge during the month of November, log their minutes on their Raisely fundraising profile, and get friends and whānau to sponsor them.

· All minutes will be added to the total national tally, with a collective target of one million minutes of movement.

Released on behalf of Diabetes NZ by Goode PR. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Lebron Davis on 021 252 4688 or lebron@goodepr.co.nz

Diabetes New Zealand calls on everyone to come together for One Million Minutes of movement