Our research
Diabetes NZ undertakes research furthering knowledge of the impact of diabetes in New Zealand, and produces resources to inform and educate. Our research is undertaken both independently and in partnership with other organisations.
For research undertaken by other organisations, or opportunities to participate in diabetes research, click here.
The Economic and Social Cost Of Type 2 Diabetes report
March 2021
The Economic and Social Cost Of Type 2 Diabetes report, launched in Parliament by Associate Minister of Health Hon Peeni Henare on 15 March, was commissioned by Diabetes New Zealand, the University of Otago’s Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre (EDOR), Healthier Lives - He Oranga Hauora National Science Challenge, and undertaken by PwC New Zealand. The report was funded in part by a generous donation from Tony and Heather Falkenstein.
Key findings:
Number of New Zealanders with type 2 diabetes expected to increase by 70-90% in 20 years
Estimated annual cost of diabetes in NZ $2.1 billion (0.67% GDP), projected to increase by 63% to $3.5 billion in 20 years
Shift towards younger people developing type 2 diabetes expected to increase personal and economic impact of type 2 diabetes significantly
Inequities and health outcomes will worsen for Pacific, Asian and Māori populations if no action taken now
Holistic and system-wide response from Government, society and individuals needed urgently to change projected type 2 diabetes prevalence, costs and health outcomes
Four interventions could save hundreds of millions of dollars each, increase life expectancy and improve quality of life for a huge number of New Zealanders.
Four interventions to curb the cost
The Healthy People, Healthy Lives intervention – community-centred lifestyle programme for preventing prediabetes progressing to type 2 diabetes;
Owning our Futures – reversal of type 2 diabetes;
Better Diabetes Medications intervention – better management of type 2 diabetes;
Foot Screening and Protection – prevention of serious foot-related complications, such as amputation, for people with type 2 diabetes.
Emotional Wellbeing Survey and Diabetes Distress Resource
November 2020
In 2020 Diabetes NZ surveyed over 1,000 New Zealanders with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It is the first time the emotional burden of diabetes has been surveyed in New Zealand.
The research revealed the prevalence of little-known complications of diabetes distress and diabetes burnout, that affect the mental and emotional health of three quarters of New Zealanders with diabetes. It found that 81% of Kiwis living with diabetes have experienced diabetes distress.
In response, we created a resource for people experiencing diabetes distress and burnout.
Diabetes Stigma Survey
In 2018 our survey on Diabetes Stigma reveal that most Kiwis with diabetes encounter negative attitudes that add to the stress of their condition. An astounding 68% of people with type 1 diabetes and 40% of those with type 2 had encountered judgement for their food choices, and 10% said they have been discriminated against at work because of their diabetes, an extreme form of stigma.
Other research
Please note these are largely reference lists for diabetes research conducted in New Zealand and globally. The majority of studies are only available through subscription to the publication.
Click below for current studies recruiting participants.
Looking for more diabetes resources?
We have some great resources available, with locally sourced information to help Kiwis living with diabetes live full and active lives.