Diabetes NZ
Lions — Help Tackle the Diabetes Crisis
Aotearoa New Zealand is facing a serious and growing type 2 diabetes challenge, with the number of people affected expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
Māori, Pacific and Asian communities are expected to be among those most affected, due in part to long-standing inequities in health, access to care and living conditions.
Type 2 diabetes is not caused by obesity alone. Risk factors can include genetics, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, lifestyle, and social and economic circumstances.
Supporting healthier communities means making it easier for people to access nutritious food, be physically active and make positive lifestyle changes in ways that suit their culture and local needs.
Diabetes can have a major impact on physical and mental health, family life and employment. It can also lead to serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage and amputations.
How Lions Can Help
Diabetes is one of Lions Clubs International’s global causes.
Lions around the world help by:
- raising awareness
- supporting diabetes screening
- promoting healthy lifestyles
- building community partnerships
- supporting prevention and education
Here in New Zealand, Lions Clubs are well placed to connect with their communities and help reach people who may experience barriers to information or healthcare.
Every Lions Club can play a part. Together, we can help raise awareness, encourage healthier communities and reduce the impact of diabetes.
Lap the Map for Diabetes
Lions Clubs across New Zealand are encouraged to Lap the Map in support of diabetes awareness.
Clubs can organise their own community walk or join with neighbouring Clubs or Zones. The aim is for our combined distance to exceed 15,000 km – the length of New Zealand’s coastline!
Walks should be fun, family-friendly and accessible to everyone, with routes of up to 5 km. Children can come along in strollers, on bikes or skateboards, and Clubs are encouraged to create their own baton or mascot to carry on their journey.
Get involved
- Record your Club’s distance and number of participants.
- Take photos and videos and share them with Lions New Zealand to help create a virtual relay around New Zealand.
- Invite schools, sports clubs and community organisations to join in.
- Partner with local diabetes organisations to share information and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Consider a gold coin donation or local sponsorship, with funds raised supporting Lions diabetes awareness activities.
- Use the event as an opportunity to showcase Lions and invite others to learn more about becoming a member.
Most importantly — make it a fun community day promoting healthy lifestyles, diabetes awareness and Lions in action!
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