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Kia ora koutou
NZSSD are pleased to advise that we will be offering a full schedule of webinars throughout 2026. The first two webinars will be as follows:
Wednesday 18th February, 6pm - 8pm - hosted by the Diabetes Youth & Young Adult SIG
'Time in Happiness'…..highlights from ISPAD 2025'
Wednesday 18th March, 6pm - 8pm - hosted by the Technology in Diabetes SIG
'CGM in Primary Care'
The webinars are being scheduled for the third Wednesday of the month, 6pm - 8pm. The full schedule of dates is attached and topics will be confirmed in due course.
February Webinar: "Time in Happiness'…..highlights from ISPAD 2025"
See the attached flyer for full details and Register now
Link to Register: NZSSD Study Session Zoom Webinar Registration
Registrations Close: Monday 17th February, 2026
IMPORTANT DATES REMINDER: ASM 6-8 MAY 2026 (with SIG Day 5 May)
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS
We have about two weeks to go before abstract submissions close on Wednesday February 18th. We always look forward to our members sharing the work they have been doing, and it is great for our review team to have plenty to look over. These oral and poster presentations make up an important part of our meeting.
EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION
We are also about 7 weeks out from early-bird registration closing on Wednesday 25 March. We encourage you all to register as early as possible to avoid paying the higher rate beyond this date.
Please also share widely with your colleagues who may not be members of NZSSD and encourage them to attend.
SIG PROGRAMMES (see below for more details)
Don't forget about the SIG programmes running on Tuesday 5 May - details are on the ASM website. We also have some industry led symposia on offer as well.
CONFERENCE GRANT ELIGIBILITY
Applications close on 25 March. You will need to have been a paid member of NZSSD for at least one year (as at 2 April 2025) and have no dedicated CME funds. We will prioritise people who are contributing to the meeting and have additional costs associated with attending. You will be notified as soon as possible after this date if you have been allocated some funding. You also need to be registered to attend the meeting. If you are still waiting to secure funding to attend prior to the early-bird closing date, please ask for an invoice to be sent when you register.
Our Special Interest Group Day is coming up fast, and the excitement is building as we prepare to bring our nationwide community together for a deep dive into diabetes education, innovation, and shared learning.
This year's programme features four dedicated SIG streams designed to support and strengthen our multidisciplinary workforce:
- Dietitians — exploring nutrition, behaviour change, and practical strategies for better outcomes
- Registrars — strengthening clinical knowledge, case-based learning, and emerging evidence
- Podiatrists — advancing foot care, prevention, and best practice management
- Technology — unpacking the latest tools, devices, and digital solutions shaping diabetes care
Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, connect with peers, or stay ahead of the curve, SIG Day offers something for everyone.
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Diabetes | Taranaki | NZ Government Jobs
Clinical Nurse Specialist Diabetes; Diabetes Integrated Team, Taranaki
Charge Nurse Manager - Endocrinology/Diabetes | Otago | Health New Zealand
Endocrinologist - Dunedin Hospital | Otago | Health New Zealand
Kia ora koutou,
A new guideline on periprocedural management of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus is now available on the Starship website.
It is based on recently published research and has been co-developed by NZPES, ANZSPED, SPANZA, consumer representatives, and members of our Clinical Network for Children and Young People with Diabetes.
The guideline:
Please read the guideline and share it with relevant teams.
Kind regards,
Kati
Kati Wilson
Diabetes Network Project Coordinator
New Zealand Child and Youth Clinical Network
Kia ora koutou katoa,
As 2025 draws to a close, on behalf of the NZSSD Executive I want to take a moment to thank you for your commitment to NZSSD and our shared mission. This year has seen significant advancements, and we are already looking forward to a busy 2026. This email provides a brief overview of the strategic work we've completed and, most excitingly, a sneak peek at how we plan to celebrate our 50th Anniversary next year.
This year has been productive for NZSSD, and we are looking ahead to an even more significant 2026 as we prepare to celebrate our 50th Anniversary! Our Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) next year will be a special celebration of this half-century milestone. We want to honour the collective effort that has built NZSSD into the organisation it is today. If you have ideas for activities or recognitions we should incorporate into the ASM programme, please reach out to us - we welcome your input! We are looking for old memorabilia (photos, programmes, stories) you may be willing to share. These will help us create a meaningful acknowledgment of our history. Please contact Vida if you have items you can contribute. Registration for the ASM is now officially open at the conference website: www.nzssdasm.nz We encourage you to register early!
A key piece of work the Executive has finalised this year is our new Strategic Plan, designed to align our actions with our Constitution and guide our future. This plan is built on cross-cutting principles and values, and organised around four strategic Pou/Pillars that NZSSD will continue to strive to maintain. Attached is a visual summary of the plan for your easy reference. The more formal, detailed document will be available shortly on our website.
So with the end of the year in sight, I want to recognise the incredible commitment you all bring to your busy work schedules. I hope you are able to factor in some time for rest and relaxation so you can start 2026 feeling refreshed and renewed.
Kia hari, kia haumaru te noho e te whānau! | Wishing you all a happy and safe break!
Ngā mihi nui,
Jo
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
In this issue, we review an important study reporting 10-year outcomes from an NZ randomised controlled trial comparing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
As usual we have attached the PDF, and you can also view the issue online.
Some of the other highlights include:
We hope you enjoy the papers selected for this issue and find them beneficial to you and your patients. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome, please continue to send them in.
Kind regards,
Professor Jeremy Krebs
The ASM website will be the hub for all details including abstract submission, ASM grant applications and registrations. Please follow the link:
The NZSSD Executive is delighted to offer Conference grants to provide assistance to attend the ASM to those members who do not have dedicated CME funds (if applying you will be asked to declare this). You must be a member of NZSSD for at least one year to apply. Applications for this will close with the early-bird closing date. Note that this is a limited fund. All details about applying are on the ASM website. Payment will only be made to individuals and will not be made until registration is completed.
We have been working hard putting together the programme and are delighted to have confirmed both overseas and local speakers, details are on the ASM website. Both the ASM and SIG meetings are in-person only events.
An integral part of the meeting are the social functions which provide opportunities for networking and catching up with colleagues from across the motu. Our ASM industry soiree will be held in the industry exhibition area on Wednesday 6 May after the AGM. And on Thursday 7 May our gala dinner will be held at the conference venue. As we are celebrating the 50th year of the society the theme for 2026 is Golden Glam.
The call for abstracts is also open and we look forward to receiving your submissions. This is also done via the conference website.
We look forward to seeing you in Ahuriri Napier next May.
IMPORTANT DATES
REGISTRATION:
Early bird registration opens Wednesday 3 December 2025
Early bird rates close Wednesday 25 March 2026
Standard rates apply 26 March - 25 April 2026 with late fees applying from 26 April 2026
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS
Open 3 December 2025
Abstract submissions close Wednesday 18 February 2026 - there will be no extensions to this date
Abstract acceptance notification in week ending Friday 20 March 2026
CONFERENCE GRANTS
Open with registrations on 3 December 2025 and close with early bird on Wednesday 25 March 2026
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
The HumaPen Savvio® (insulin delivery device) ordering process is changing. Starting October 1, 2025, hospitals will no longer need to order HumaPen Savvio® units through Eli Lilly Customer Service.
Instead, Lilly is introducing an allocation program. Hospitals will be able to receive free-of-charge HumaPen Savvio® units every three months for their patients.
Click the link to register for the program.
Please see the attached email for more information.
Details of the 2026 Diabetes New Zealand Research Foundation Fellowship, eligibility criteria, scope, funding and guidelines for applicants are provided on their website. Click HERE
The research must be conducted in New Zealand, be specifically related to diabetes and aligned to the DNZRF's mission statements
If you have any questions about the fellowship, your eligibility to apply, funding or assessment process please email admin@dnzrf.org.nz.
Click HERE to view this vacancy.
If you would like to speak to someone about the role, please email Prof. Rinki Murphy
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
Click HERE for more information and to register
The information for this is available directly on the website here
Additional promotional materials can be downloaded from the IVW Website.
On behalf of the Psychology - Hinengaro Special Interest Group I am both pleased and proud to advise the Diabetes, Eating Behaviours, and Body Satisfaction Guidance is now live on the NZSSD website - CLICK HERE. Some of you would have heard the "whistle stop tour" at the recent ASM.
This guidance addresses an unmet need through the development of screening, assessment, and treatment recommendations for tāngata whaiora who live with diabetes and who face challenges with body satisfaction and eating behaviours, regardless of the type of diabetes they have. We have also provided strategies for kaimahi positionality and engagement.
This guidance was developed by working and consultation rōpū and the approach taken was embedded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles as well as ensuring the voice of lived experience was heard.
This guidance is written for kaimahi (health professionals) working with tāngata whaiora who live with any type of diabetes.
He kokonga whare e kitea, he kokonga ngākau e kore e kitea
A corner of a house may be seen and examined; not so the corners of the heart
We hope you find this useful and we welcome your thoughts and feedback.
Kia ora koutou,
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
For those wishing to view they are titled "Proceedings of the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes Annual Scientific Meeting 14-16 May 2025, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton" and are found on pages 77 to 90 of the The New Zealand Medical Journal.
Thank you for all the incredible mahi and contributions to improving the care and outcomes for those living with diabetes in Aotearoa and for your support of our ASM.
FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus has launched to great success - supporting thousands of New Zealanders living with diabetes improve their glycaemic control. Pharmac has announced that from the 1st November 2025, FreeStyle Libre 2 will be discontinued and replaced by FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus.
MediRay are in the process of transitioning away from FreeStyle Libre 2 and need your help to upgrade your patients now to experience the benefits our new FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor offers:
- Extended 15-day wear time
- Approved from age 2 years and up
- Our most accurate sensor#.1
- Funded by Pharmac for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and some other specified forms of diabetes.
UPGRADE YOUR PATIENTS NOW: Transitioning your patients to FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is NOT an automatic process.
Please complete a new prescription for your patients that are currently on a FreeStyle Libre 2, by writing on the new prescription 'FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus". The existing Special Authority does NOT need to be changed.
This will avoid the future rush when the current FreeStyle Libre 2 is withdrawn by Pharmac on the 1st November 2025.
If you require any further support, please feel free to contact Kevin Anderson on 021349991 or kevin@mediray.co.nz or visit FreeStyleConnect.co.nz.
Kevin Anderson
Division Manager - Diabetes Care
MEDIRAY
www.mediray.co.nz
Kia ora koutou
We have received the following communication from the Pharmac Implementation team:
YpsoPump is now iOS compatible
From 10 June 2025, the mobile phone application for the mylife YpsoPump is compatible with iOS phones.
Factsheet about CamAPS on iOS | Pharmaco website [PDF](external link)
Medtronic (MiniMed 770G) insulin pumps:
People currently using Medtronic MiniMed 770G insulin pumps have until 1 October 2026 to move to a different funded pump.
The 4-year rule does not apply to people moving from Medtronic insulin pumps
The "Maximum of 1 insulin pump per patient each four-year period" rule does not apply for people changing from a funded Medtronic pump to the Tandem or YpsoPump. They can receive a funded pump, even if they got their Medtronic pump less than 4 years ago.
More about insulin pumps, consumables and CGMs | Pharmac website
Please ensure that the brand of funded insulin pumps is chosen carefully.
It is vital that all considerations are made in relation to personal circumstances. Especially important is the difference in algorithms between the two brands which may not be compatible with an individual's needs. The requirement that the Ypso pump requires a smart phone to operate the closed-loop system is also an important factor to consider, as some people may have difficulty operating a phone.
Dulaglutide: New patients from 1 July 2025
From 1 July 2025, we lifted the "no new patient" restriction from dulaglutide (Trulicity). This follows our earlier decision to re-open access to liraglutide (Victoza) from 1 March 2025.
Eligible people with type 2 diabetes will be able to start using funded dulaglutide or liraglutide. The restriction had been placed on these medicines to help manage the global shortage, which had been caused by rapid increase in demand worldwide.
Questions:
If you have any queries, please contact: enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please also visit the NZSSD website to view the NZSSD Type 2 Guidance for information on prescribing and monitoring recommendations.
Ngā mihi
Jo McClintock
President
NZSSD
Kia ora koutou
I am very pleased to share this news about access to GLP1a dulaglutide.
From 1 July 2025, Pharmac is removing the 'no new patient restriction' on the GLP1a dulaglutide (branded as Trulicity). This means people with type 2 diabetes, who meet the eligibility criteria, will be able to start on treatment with this medicine.
More information about the ongoing supply issue is available on the Pharmac website: Dulaglutide(Trulicity) and Liraglutide (Victoza): Supply issue
Please also visit the NZSSD Type 2 diabetes guidance for information on when/in which patients it is appropriate to prescribe a GLP1Ra, and prescribing and monitoring recommendations.
This is great news for people living with type 2 diabetes and the health professionals caring for them.
Ngā mihi nui
Jo
Dr Jo McClintock(she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist |Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President - New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
Kia ora koutou
A bit of a mixed bag update but an essential one. Thanks to all who have reached out about the CVD calculator. We have updated the website to prioritise the more accurate and contemporary VAREANZ risk predictor calculator which includes an equation for people with type 2 diabetes. https://nzssd.org.nz/resources/section/calculators
We have been made aware of a number of deep fakes promoting fake "diabetes medications" that are using NZSSD members names, faces, and voices. This is a serious concern that requires wide spread awareness. Attached is our media release and we would appreciate if you can circulate this on your own or your workplaces social media channels. We also strongly recommend that anyone impacted by these deep fakes contact the NZ Police.
Thirdly, we wanted to comment on the extended prescription period from three to twelve months. This will have a positive impact for many people living with diabetes for a range of reasons. It remains important however that clinical decision making is the basis for selecting an appropriate prescribing period and the rationale is communicated clearly to tāngata whaiora to manage any concerns or expectations they may have.
Both the NZSSD executive and I are happy to take any further questions or feedback on these issues.
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
Warning: Fake Videos Targeting People with Type 2 Diabetes
The New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD) is warning people with type 2 diabetes to be cautious about health advice on social media, especially videos that appear to be from New Zealand doctors.
Please download the PDF for more information.
The Diabetes and Related Conditions Prescribing Meeting is an opportunity to receive updates on contemporary clinical management and prescribing in diabetes care, and to connect and network with your peers involved or with an interest in diabetes care. The meeting is open to registered nurses and pharmacists with prescribing current authority and nurse practitioners.
The meeting will be held at the Novotel Hotel, Auckland Airport on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th August, 2025.
Here is the link to the meeting information and registration site:
https://www.eventleaf.com/e/DiabetesPrescribingMeeting2025
Kia ora koutou
You may have seen the announcement from Pharmac this week about funding changes that will come into affect on 1 May 2025. .
Freestyle Libre 2 Plus CGM:
From 1 May 2025, Pharmac will be listing the FreeStyle Libre
2 Plus CGM as a standalone continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alongside the
currently listed FreeStyle Libre 2.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is more accurate than the previous model, it can
also be used for longer. The size, phone app, reader, adhesive, and application
method are the same as the FreeStyle Libre 2. Everyone who is currently
eligible for a funded FreeStyle Libre 2 will be able to switch to the FreeStyle
Libre 2 Plus.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus can be worn for 15 days - a day longer than the
previous model. Because people can wear it for longer, Pharmac is changing how
many people can get on a prescription from 29 per year to 28 per year. This
aligns the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus with other CGM's that we fund.
It will be available from 1 May 2025, and the currently funded FreeStyle Libre
2 will be delisted from November 2025.
Please pass this news onto your networks as I appreciate there will be a great
deal of interest in this change.
More information is on Pharmac's website
here.
Insulin Degludec with insulin aspart (Ryzodeg)
Pharmac is funding a new type of insulin (branded as Ryzodeg) for people with diabetes from 1 May 2025.
This is a mix insulin with a longer basal insulin combined with insulin aspart. As you know other mix insulins provided by Novo Nordisk have been phased out (PenMix and Mixtard) or will be in the near future (NovoMix) https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/medicine-funding-and-supply/medicine-notices/insulin
Ryzodeg will be an alternative option that may be beneficial for many people with T2DM.
Read the full details here:
The NZSSD Guidance group will be meeting in early May and will ensure all of our guidance documents are updated, with additional information about Ryzodeg.
Ngā mihi
Rosemary
Dr Rosemary Hall
Endocrinologist, Te Whatu Ora; Wellington and Tairāwhiti
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
Secretariat: Secretary@nzssd.org.nz
NZSSD website: www.nzssd.org.nz
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
We know that this decision will also bring some anxiety for
our already stretched health system and workforce. NZSSD will provide as much
clinical and practical support as we can to enable the process to be as
streamlined and equitable as possible. We will keep you informed of education
opportunities and guidelines and welcome widespread discussion and resource
sharing.
I have attached our media release.
Pharmac's information page has details of the revised special authority criteria and processes around transitioning people from Medtronic systems.
|
Ngā mihi
Rosemary
Dr Rosemary HallEndocrinologist
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
secretary@nzssd.org.nz
NZSSD website: www.nzssd.org
Please see the attached notice.
We suggest transferring people over to a new insulin well in advance of 30 September, to avoid any supply issues