Understanding Diabetes & Prediabetes

November is Diabetes Action Month in Aotearoa New Zealand, featuring World Diabetes Day on 14 November. Over 300,000 New Zealanders live with diabetes, and many more have prediabetes – a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

In our community of Katikati and the wider Bay of Plenty, early detection and proactive management can prevent or significantly delay serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, vision loss, and nerve issues. Importantly, with early lifestyle interventions, prediabetes can often be reversed

Who Should Be Screened & What Are the Symptoms?

Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually. Many people have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which is why routine screening is so valuable.

We recommend an HbA1c blood test if you:

• Are aged 45 or older (or aged 35+ for Māori, Pacific, or South Asian adults, who have a higher risk of developing diabetes earlier).
• Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes.
• Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of cardiovascular disease.
• Experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
• Carry excess weight, particularly around the abdomen.

Common signs to watch for include:

• Feeling unusually thirsty and drinking far more water than usual.
• Needing to urinate frequently, especially waking multiple times during the night.
• Unexplained persistent fatigue or lack of energy.
• Slow healing of small cuts, scratches, or sores.
• Frequent infections (such as thrush or skin boils).
• Blurred vision.

Practical Everyday Steps for Prevention & Management

Small, sustainable lifestyle adjustments make a substantial difference to insulin sensitivity and long-term vitality:

• Nourish Your Body with Whole Foods: Emphasise high-fibre seasonal vegetables, legumes, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reduce sugary drinks, fruit juices, and heavily processed snacks.
• Keep Moving Daily: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. A brisk walk along the Haiku Pathway, gardening, swimming, or cycling around Katikati helps your muscles absorb glucose naturally.
• Prioritise Quality Sleep & Stress Reduction: Chronic stress and poor sleep elevate cortisol and blood sugar levels. Incorporating relaxation techniques and regular sleep routines supports metabolic balance.
• Attend Routine Health Checks: Regular blood pressure and HbA1c reviews allow early adjustments to medication or lifestyle plans before complications arise.

Diabetes Support Services at Katikati Medical Centre

Managing diabetes or prediabetes is a team effort, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Katikati Medical Centre, our clinical team provides comprehensive care:

• GP Consultations: Timely diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and evidence-based medication management (including modern cardiovascular- and kidney-protective therapies where clinically indicated).
• Diabetes Nurses: Dedicated support for regular HbA1c monitoring, blood pressure checks, foot checks, and practical advice on blood glucose tracking.
• Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs) & Health Coaches: Free, confidential appointments focused on practical lifestyle goals, stress management, and building healthy daily habits.
• Community Referrals: Direct coordination with Western Bay of Plenty PHO diabetes education workshops, registered dietitians, and podiatry services.

Practice Contact & Booking Information

If you have questions about your diabetes risk, are due for an annual review, or haven’t had a blood sugar check in recent years, please get in touch by calling reception on 075490411 or by booking an appointment with your registered GP via the online portal myindici.