The virtual diabetes registry showed almost 96,000 new cases in the past three years.
Photo: LDR / Provided

A diabetes charity is holding an event to raise awareness as data projects what it describes as a worst-case scenario.

Diabetes New Zealand chief executive Heather Verry says Aotearoa is on track for more than half a million cases by 2040.

The virtual diabetes registry showed nearly 96,000 new cases in the past three years alone, bringing the total to 324,000.

In 2021, Diabetes NZ predicted a 70 to 90 per cent increase, and this data is close to the worst possible outcome, Verry said.

Many people didn’t know that type two diabetes could be delayed or even reversed with lifestyle changes, she said.

“The earlier people can be diagnosed with diabetes, the better the health outcomes, so it really needs a full support service, full awareness. More than what Diabetes New Zealand can do on its own, it really needs to be government-led.”

While the data from the Virtual Diabetes Registry was welcome, it failed to distinguish between type one and type two diabetes, making it difficult to provide healthcare and targeted support, she said.

Diabetes NZ held a fundraising event this week to raise awareness called Sneaker Friday.

Verry said she hopes the event will help raise awareness and encourage people to get active.

“People need to get out there – they don’t necessarily have to go to a gym. Even walking is very good, regular walking, regular exercise will have a huge impact on diabetes,” Verry said.