Let’s not ignore the other pandemic

As COVID-19 continues to dominate our lives it’s important not to overlook the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on our population. NCDs are the leading cause of premature death and disability in New Zealand and those living with NCDs who contract COVID-19 are likely to have significantly worse outcomes.

Healthier Lives Director Jim Mann and Science Leadership Team member Jeremy Krebs (University of Otago – Wellington) spoke to journalist Niki Bezzant in a recent article about the dangers of ignoring the diabetes and obesity pandemic in the face of COVID-19.

More than a third of New Zealand adults are obese and almost a quarter of a million have type 2 diabetes. One in five New Zealanders are also thought to have prediabetes although many are unaware they have it. Rates are even higher in Māori and Pasifika communities and for those living in deprived areas who are already particularly vulnerable to the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19.

Read more in the full story at newsroom.co.nz