It is time for a more targeted approach to prediabetes in primary care in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), its related morbidities and entrenched diabetes-related inequities pose significant challenges for health care delivery systems in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Primary care services undertake the majority of diabetes prevention work by initially detecting and managing those with prediabetes. In this viewpoint, we present available NZ data to highlight NZ trends in prediabetes and consider the current NZ clinical guidelines and the prediabetes care pathway. Multiple areas for improvement are identified to optimise diabetes prevention, potentially reduce T2DM inequities, and sustain more effective prediabetes management in primary care in NZ.

From the editors: challenges and opportunities for sustainable and equitable primary care

“…She recommends guidelines should provide targeted interventions, and again expresses concerns about the sustainability of service delivery in primary care. 16 Dew and colleagues have conducted a qualitative study of people who experienced the death of a whānau (family) member during COVID-19 lockdown. 17 Having their loved one die in lonely isolation complicated their bereavement process and prolonged their grief.…”