Managing diabetes in life

The number of Kiwis living with diabetes has more than doubled since 2005 but a new programme aims to take that number down.

Jumpstart was launched in Upper Hutt on Monday with the help of YMCA Upper Hutt and mayor Wayne Guppy.

The programme, the first in the Wellington region, helps people with Type 1 or 2 diabetes, or those at risk of developing diabetes, to manage their health.

One in four people in New Zealand are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and more than 260,000 people have been diag- nosed.

Run over 10 weeks, the course covers lessons on exercise, nutrition and lifestyle for people looking to manage their health.

Fitness staff at YMCA will be running the weekly sessions which cover nutrition, supermarket shopping, foot care and physical activity.

Interim CEO of YMCA Wellington Ben Keat said his team was delighted to bring the initiative to the Wellington region.

‘‘Diabetes is an issue in all communities and Wellington is no exception. The numbers of people living with this condition nationally is increasing at about 7 per cent per year, there are around 40 new cases diagnosed a day and it’s estimated to be currently costing the country $1.3b a year. These are frightening statistics considering most diabetes cases are avoidable through better nutrition, exercise and lifestyle,’’ he said.

The programme was first launched in 2014 in Auckland and Upper Hutt’s opening marks a national roll-out for Jumpstart.

YMCA Auckland CEO Peter Fergusson and managing director of Pharmaco Chandra Selvadurai came together to create the programme after meeting to discuss diabetes.