Understanding diabetes and its impact on wellbeing

Dr Cheryl Buhay
Pou Tākuta ā Rohe (Clinical Director)

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Diabetes Awareness Month, held in November 2025, will highlight the importance of taking action and busting myths surrounding our country’s largest and fastest-growing condition.

At Pathways, the connection between diabetes and wellbeing is particularly pronounced, as evidenced by the 10% of the people we support living with diabetes. Our Clinical Director and Psychiatrist — Dr Cheryl Buhay, explores the impact of diabetes and how we are helping our whānau manage it.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream for extended periods. It can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, eyes, nerves, kidneys, and blood vessels.

If blood glucose levels become dangerously high, diabetes can be life-threatening. Additionally, it can contribute to depression and anxiety.

Types of diabetes

There are different types of diabetes, including:

• Type 1 diabetes — usually starts in childhood and is treated with insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes — occurs when our body is unable to use insulin effectively. While the pancreas produces insulin, the body’s cells do not respond properly (insulin resistance). This accounts for about 90% of diabetes cases. In Aotearoa New Zealand, approximately 1 in 4 people over the age of 15 are affected by Type 2 diabetes.
• Pre-diabetes — occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

So far this year, 10% of the people Pathways supports who have physical health conditions have diabetes — that’s 646 individuals out of 6,327.

What causes diabetes?

Pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes can be linked to obesity and being overweight. Other risk factors include:

• Having a first-degree relative with diabetes
• Ethnicity
• Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome)
• Medications (e.g., steroids and some mental health prescriptions)

Symptoms of diabetes may include increased urination, thirst, hunger, and feeling weak or tired. However, some people experience no symptoms at all.

How to support your whānau

Supporting a whānau member living with diabetes, or helping to prevent diabetes, means working alongside others involved in their care.

As we enter the new year, encourage a healthy lifestyle by:

• Choosing healthy food and drinks — avoiding sugary options
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy body weight — even small improvements can lead to better blood results
• Reducing or stopping smoking
• For a healthier lifestyle, setting SMART goals i.e., Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound

Encourage a GP review

A GP can arrange tests to screen for diabetes and assess overall heart and metabolic health. This is especially important for those with mental health challenges or risk factors such as being overweight, smoking, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart attacks or strokes.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, about 1 in 4 people over the age of 15 are affected by Type 2 diabetes. — Dr Cheryl Buhay

A GP can also prescribe diabetes medications and arrange other supports, including:

• Specialist follow-ups (diabetes clinic)
• Retinal screening (eye checks)
• Health coaching within the GP practice team
• Podiatry care for foot concerns
• Diabetes nurse educator support
• Dietitian services
• Diabetes support groups

Enrol in the Stanford self-management programme

The Standford self-management programme is a free six-week self-management course for individuals with diabetes, their whānau, and carers.

Visit Healthify to learn more.

A well-rounded approach to diabetes

Addressing diabetes requires a well-rounded approach, including lifestyle changes, regular medical check-ups, and access to support programmes.

By encouraging healthy choices, engaging with healthcare professionals, and promoting self-management resources, we can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with diabetes.

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— This story was first featured in Harikoa magazine (issue 3, 2024).