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Kia ora koutou,
The news out today from Pharmac about widening access to medications for people living with type 2 diabetes is a positive step forward for diabetes care in Aotearoa New Zealand.
As of September 1st, the Special Authority criteria for empagliflozin (Jardiance), dulaglutide (Trulicity) and liraglutide (Victoza) has been refined to open access to these medications previously unavailable to all people living with type 2 diabetes who have an HbA1c > 53 mmol/mol despite regular use of other glucose-lowering medications. This is in line with the evidence-based therapies recommended in the National Diabetes Roadmap, which NZSSD supports and removes the need for additional clinic visits and testing. (Click HERE for the Pharmac announcement)
We are mindful that there continues to be a mismatch between the revised Special Authority criteria and best clinical practice. People with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular and/or renal disease will benefit from SGLT2i and/or GLP1Ra use irrespective of their HbA1c and it is important to continue to focus on our high-risk populations, particularly Māori and Pacific peoples. As is current practice, where appropriate, clinicians should consider the heart failure Special Authority for empagliflozin or discuss self-funding, including using the Disability Allowance.
The NZSSD Executive would like to thank you all for putting in your submissions and were very pleased that Pharmac were responsive to the significant number of submissions. We will continue to work with Pharmac to aim for open access to these medications for people with type 2 diabetes as per standard international care, including funded dual GLP1Ra/SGLT2i therapy where appropriate.
NZSSD will be updating their clinical guidance to ensure these changes in Special Authority are reflected.
Ngā mihi,
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist |Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
Dr Ryan Paul(he/him/ia)
Ngāti Maru, Hauraki
Endocrinologist|Associate Professor of Medicine University of Waikato
Co-Chair Mahitahi Matehuka (National Diabetes Network)
ryan.paul@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Click this link to view advertisement https://www.thinkhauora.nz/clinical-nurse-specialist-diabetes
Dear NZSSD members
The National Diabetes Roadmap Oversight Committee requested the NZSSD Executive provide feedback on the prioritisation of initiatives arising from the National Diabetes Roadmap (NDR). Please note, the timeframe for the feedback was extremely short, even with a requested extension and did not allow for consultation with NZSSD membership.
Collectively, the executive and SIG Leaders have prioritised the following initiatives across most or all of the five criteria that was provided. The selections were considered to be attainable, equitable and with the biggest impact.
- Diabetes Register (foundational, enables measurement)
- Improving access to diabetes medicines, including CGM
- Publishing existing guidelines — diabetes in pregnancy, CKM and finalising Weight Management Guidelines
- Growing/diversifying and upskilling the diabetes workforce (including primary and secondary care, Kaiāwhina, Pacific and Māori workforce initiatives)
We have communicated our concerns that the prioritisation tool lends itself to short term outcomes, where investment in critical preventions strategies should be the overall long-term goal aligning with the NDR to change the trajectory of diabetes. Additionally, that a longer consultation period would have supported a more meaningful engagement with key stakeholders.
However, we hope that the shared multidisciplinary approach undertaken has highlighted beneficial initiatives for diabetes care in Aotearoa. We will continue to keep the membership updated on progress.
Vickie Corbett (she/her)
Nurse Practitioner | Mātanga Tapuhi
Honorary Secretary | New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
Kia ora koutou,
You will be aware of the supply chain shortage of TruSteel Infusion Sets. This is having a real-life impact for many of our whānau on Tandem insulin pumps not being able to access their infusion sets. We have been in discussions with Pharmac about the challenges this presents to clinicians and whānau with diabetes.
At this time, NZSSD and Mahitahi Matehuka are strongly recommending that the following groups are prioritised for TruSteel infusion sets:
- Children
- Previous recurrent failures with Autosoft infusion sets
- No previous trial of Autosoft infusion sets but high risk of infusion set failure including:
o Allergy to teflon
o Significant lipohypertrophy/scar tissue at insertion sites
o Pregnancy
o Significant physical activity
Most people currently using TruSteel infusion sets will likely be suitable for switching to Autosoft infusion sets, but this has often not been previously discussed. A reminder that NZMS has put out resources (attached and below) for the AutoSoft infusion sets and we do recommend referring to these and passing them onto our whānau using Tandem insulin pumps as well.
- https://youtu.be/mly1nTqVEHc
- Autosoft 90 Quick Reference (attached)
Other recommendations for prescribers and clinicians are:
- Consider only doing three-month prescriptions for TruSteel infusion sets so as not to set up competition and potential misuse of prescriptions
- Ensure all people using TruSteel infusion sets have a backup plan with necessary supplies to return to multiple daily injections of insulin in case they cannot access infusion sets
- Starting new Tandem users on Autosoft infusion sets if suitable from the outset of pump therapy
We recognise that changing infusion sets can be upsetting for many people and does require additional clinical input. But there is no foreseeable end to the worldwide TruSteel shortage and it is important we maintain as many people on automated insulin delivery as possible. We will continue to provide regular updates as the TruSteel infusion set shortage remains a dynamic situation.
Ngaa mihi nui
Jo and Ryan
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist |Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
Dr Ryan Paul(he/him/ia)
Ngāti Maru, Hauraki
Endocrinologist|Associate Professor of Medicine University of Waikato
Co-Chair Mahitahi Matehuka (National Diabetes Network)
ryan.paul@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Kia ora koutou,
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist |Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
Associate Professor Rosemary Hall MBChB FRACP PhD
Endocrinologist
University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka
Department of Medicine
Wellington | Pōneke
rosemary.hall@otago.ac.nz
ADEA has recently opened up ADEA International Membership to health professionals outside Australia.
We really value the work NZSSD continues to do in advancing diabetes research, education, and clinical practice in New Zealand, and there has always been strong alignment between our organisations. We see this as another simple way to keep strengthening those links across the Tasman.
As an ADEA International Member, NZSSD members would gain access to:
IDF-WPR 2026 & ADC 2026 - Home
With the congress approaching, it feels like a timely opportunity to engage more broadly across the region.
Further information is here:
https://www.adea.com.au/adea-international-membership
This year, NADI will hold the 23rd CPD ‘Diabetes Asia 2026' Conference (DAC 2026) in Kuching, Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The focus of the Conference is on recent advances in the understanding and practice of diabetes and associated conditions.
We are pleased to attach herewith the ‘DAC 2026' preliminary announcement brochure, reply form, registration form, and call for free paper abstracts for your kind attention. We would appreciate it very much if you could help to disseminate this information to members of your Society or any other relevant parties that may be interested to attend our Conference.
Details of the conference can also be accessed via our website www.nadidiabetes.com.
We look forward to welcoming you and your Society's members to this year's DAC 2026.
Thank you.
*EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT FOR REGISTRATION BEFORE 15th August 2026*
With best regards,
SECRETARIAT DAC 2026
National Diabetes Institute (NADI)
No 1 Jalan SS 3/50
Petaling Jaya 47300
Selangor
MALAYSIA
Tel : +603 7876 1676
Fax : +603 7876 1679
Kia ora koutou,
As you will be aware Pharmac have put out a Consultation Document about ‘Widening Access' to medications for type 2 diabetes with a closing date of Thursday 11th June 5pm. This is an important document to read and provide feedback on as there are significant implications for people with type 2 diabetes and the health workforce. We do encourage you to respond to the document and in the interests of transparency, NZSSD will be responding with the following feedback (please note these points have been condensed for the purposes of this email):
1) Strongly do not support the removal of ethnicity based criteria. There is robust evidence that the ethnicity criteria improved equitable access and outcomes for Māori and Pacific whaiora living with type 2 diabetes; thus removal is a step backwards. The Pharmac proposal to remove the ethnicity based criteria does not align with the National Diabetes Roadmap 2026 of "supporting the use of medicines with an equity focus by improving access and appropriate use". Evidence has not been provided for the gains of removing this criteria. Retaining ethnicity-based criteria is a vital tool for safeguarding healthcare equity, actively preventing unconscious biases and systemic barriers that historically widened health gaps.
2) Support reducing 5-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk to >10%. However, this should not be viewed as being able as a replacement of ethnicity based criteria. There is an underlying assumption that all people with type 2 diabetes have access to a CVD risk assessment; resource will needed to ensure this is available and occurs.
3) The two-week time frame for submissions is unrealistic to allow for adequate engagement and detailed feedback.
4) For true "widening" of access, all special authority criteria for Empagliflozin should be removed. This would align with international guidance.
5) Consideration of dual funding of GLP1RA and SGLT2i medications should be available for tamariki and rangatahi and people who have a high risk of heart or kidney disease over their lifetime. Outcomes are improved for high-risk individuals on both medications and this is recommended internationally.
The link for the document is here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2026-05-proposal-to-amend-the-special-authority-access-criteria-for-type-2-diabetes-medicines
The link for the feedback form is here: https://consultations.pharmac.govt.nz/medicines/2026-05-diabetes/
Alternatively, you can email feedback directly to Pharmac: consult@pharmac.govt.nz
This is a link to a submission builder that you may wish to use: https://pharmacfeedbackhcp.netlify.app/
Ngā mihi,
Jo
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
Kia ora,
We are writing to inform you of a supply issue that could impact some people your organisation supports.
Due to issues at a component supplier, there is a global supply constraint affecting TruSteel infusion sets used with the funded Tandem insulin pumps. This impacts all four funded TruSteel infusion set products.
Pharmac also funds the AutoSoft infusion sets, which are compatible with Tandem pumps and are these are not affected by this supply issue. If suitable, prescribers may encourage consumers to try the AutoSoft option. It is applied differently from the TruSteel product and may require training to ensure people who change to this product can use it correctly and safely.
We are aware that the Autosoft option may not be suitable for everyone. To help manage the limited supply of TruSteel available, from 1 June we will temporarily change the Schedule listings to monthly dispensing. This means if a patient remains on a TruSteel product, from 1 June they will collect only one month supply at a time.
The supplier, NZMS, has further information available to support patients, including instructional videos, at the following link - Transitioning from TruSteel to AutoSoft Infusion set
Please share this information:
Please share this information with your colleagues and within your networks.
Ngā mihi,
Conal Edwards | Senior Therapeutic Group Manager
________________________________________________________________
Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | PO Box 10 254 |Wellington 6143
Level9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington6011
DDI: +64 4 830 2111 | P: +64 4 460 4990| M: +64 21 903 472 |www.pharmac.govt.nz
Kia ora koutou,
I hope you are all doing well as we head into the cooler months!
Thank you to all who attended the Annual Scientific Meeting in Ahuriri, Napier. For those who weren't able to attend, I hope your colleagues have shared some of the gems they picked up. The mix of presentations guaranteed that everyone took something away.
This ASM was a fantastic celebration of 50 years of our Society. We were able to host our Past Presidents at the NZSSD Executive and ASM Guests Dinner. We were privileged to be joined by Dr Bob Smith, a stalwart for NZSSD since its inception in 1976. We also had at the ASM a memorabilia table which was collection of our history, documenting the people and milestones that have defined the last 50 years. As always, the gala dinner was a fantastic success and everyone truly dressed to impress for the "Golden Glam" theme.
We had some other significant events celebrated at this ASM, Professor Rinki Murphy was awarded the Bob Smith Lectureship for her contributions to diabetes care in Aotearoa, and Dr Bob Smith, himself, was delighted be able to attend "his" lecture.
Furthermore, we awarded Honorary Life Membership (in absentia) to two of our Past Presidents - Professor Patrick Manning and Dr Robyn Toomath, both who have contributed to the ongoing success of our Society. We also awarded Honorary Life Membership to Roberta (Bobbie) Milne for her dedication to NZSSD and Diabetes Care in Aotearoa. Bobbie has been on the Executive for many terms and has attended and presented at numerous NZSSD ASM's over the years.
Our Executive committee has had some changes with Rosemary Hall (Immediate Past President) and Pauline Giles (Honorary Secretary) standing down. Their contributions are noteworthy for their time, energy, and dedication. Three new members were elected onto the Executive, Tom Wilkinson, Manish Khanolkar, and Vickie Corbett, who will take over the role of Honorary Secretary. As a committee we will continue to work to implement our Strategic Plan and determine the next round of deliverables.
We are excited to bring NewSweet, the NZSSD newsletter, back this year to keep you updated on the Society's activities. Photos from the ASM will be featured and we hope to have them up on the website soon. If you would like to contribute to NewSweet please do reach out! We would love to feature updates on any professional activities you have engaged in, research projects you would like to share with the membership, and milestones or celebrations that we can all share.
I look forward to working with you in continuing the mahi that the Society does to support the Aotearoa New Zealand diabetes workforce to ensure we are meeting the needs of tāngata whaiora living with diabetes. Please do reach out with any thoughts, comments, or feedback.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jo McClintock
President - NZSSD
Pharmac is proposing to widen access to three funded medicines for some people with type 2 diabetes: empagliflozin, liraglutide and dulaglutide from 1 August 2026.
The medicines are already funded, and the proposal would widen access to people who are at higher risk of heart or kidney complications. The proposed changes include removing ethnicity-based eligibility criteria and lowering the five-year cardiovascular risk threshold to widen access.
If approved, around 10,000 more people are expected to benefit in the first year, increasing to around 23,000 people after five years.
When these medicines were first funded, Special Authority criteria were used to target treatment to population groups with a high health need. In 2025, Pharmac formalised its Access Criteria Policy, which means for every medicine considered for funding the target population is now defined by clinical condition and those most likely to benefit.
Pharmac has reviewed the criteria and received updated advice on how access could be widened while still reaching the people who need these medicines the most. Anyone who is already receiving these medicines will continue to have access and would not be affected by the proposed changes.
Pharmac is seeking feedback from people with type 2 diabetes, their whānau, health professionals, and advocacy groups.
The proposal will be published on Pharmac's website at 2pm, Thursday 14 May:
Ø Proposal to amend the special authority access criteria for type 2 diabetes medicines
Kia ora koutou,
The Kids Research Institute Australia are organising monthly PD sessions with a goal "to accelerate the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based models of care for children and young people living with Type 1 Diabetes".
The CoP website with session details and sign up is here. Once you have registered, you will automatically receive invites to the sessions / links and can the choose the sessions you would like to attend.
Kind regards,
Kati
Kati Wilson
Diabetes Network Project Coordinator
New Zealand Child and Youth Clinical Network
Kia ora koutou,
Many of you are aware of the proposed changes of the HbA1c thresholds for diagnosing pre-diabetes and diabetes. Please see attached the health sector notice that describes the new thresholds and recommended management.
The information we have received is:
To best meet the needs of whānau and communities across New Zealand, Health NZ is taking a phased approach to HbA1c threshold changes implementation. Health care providers who are clinically and operationally ready are encouraged to adopt the new thresholds now, with full national implementation from 1 July 2026.
Updated clinical guidance, laboratory reporting systems and Health Pathways will align nationally from 1 July 2026.
Transition support and updates
Further communication and technical guidance will be distributed throughout the transition period. If you have questions or require support, please contact your contract manager or Mahitahi Matehuka National Diabetes Network at any time via email to DiabetesNetwork@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.
If you have any questions for NZSSD about this then please do reach out.
Ngā mihi,
Jo
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
Share the attached information with those living with diabetes and view the online ‘what's on event calendar' to check for the session dates and times.
All those who attend are invited to join the research ‘Access AID - Accelerating care, capacity and equity in AID systems for New Zealanders with type 1 diabetes'. Led by the University of Otago.
Contact youth@diabetes.org.nz if you have any questions.
Pharmac has confirmed changes to Special Authority renewal requirements for selected medicines and products.
From 1 December 2025, Pharmac will remove the need to renew Special Authority approvals for the following treatments:
More information about Pharmac's decision is available at:
We're grateful to everyone who shared their views during consultation. Your feedback helped shape this decision.
We want to make sure that everyone who needs to know about this decision is aware of it. Please share this information with people you think might be interested.
Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz
Kia ora koutou,
Diabetes-specific nutrition formulations (DSNFs) are becoming an important part of diabetes care in Aotearoa New Zealand with the introduction of new medicines. They are available in Aotearoa New Zealand either Pharmac subsidised on prescription or self-funded to support people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes experiencing weight loss and malnutrition requiring nutritional support, or unable to maintain adequate nutritional intake in women with diabetes in pregnancy. We are also aware that new DSNF products are entering the market imminently.
These specialised products are designed to assist with glycaemic control and provide additional nutrition, particularly for individuals with complex health needs and a poor appetite, or those requiring enteral nutrition.
Ideally the use of these formulations should be guided by a qualified dietitian following a comprehensive nutrition assessment. Dietetic involvement ensures there is:
NZSSD dietitians as well as members from other disciplines plan to work on a Consensus Statement for the use of these products in our local Aotearoa context over the coming months. Please contact us if you have any questions or would be interested in contributing to this important piece of work.
Ngā mihi,
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
Kia ora koutou
You may have seen the notice from Pharmac yesterday allowing new special authority applications for liraglutide (Victoza) from 1 March 2025. We are very pleased that the special authority criteria will be the same as when SA's were suspended in May 2024. This will again allow us to prescribe according to our national guidelines and best practice, and we all know how beneficial this will be for people living with diabetes. We are assured by Pharmac that the intention is for no further suspensions of special authority criteria for GLP-1 agonists to allow ongoing access for those who meet criteria. It is of course important, as previously, that these medications are prescribed only for people with T2DM so that availability continues.
The link to detailed information from Pharmac is:
Decision to enable new people to start treatment withliraglutide for type 2 diabetes
Unfortunately, we don't have such good news regarding the global shortage of Glucagon and the limited allocation to Aotearoa NZ.
Glucagon hydrochloride (Glucagen Hypokit): Supply issue
We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available.
Ngā mihi
Rosemary
Dr Rosemary Hall
Endocrinologist, Te Whatu Ora; Wellington and Tairāwhiti
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes