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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
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
Expression of Interest for Diabetes Specific Nutrition Formulas Consensus Statement Working Group
Emerging evidence suggests Diabetes Specific Nutrition Formulas (DSNFs) may improve glycaemic control, support nutritional adequacy, and optimise outcomes in people with diabetes and comorbidities (e.g., malnutrition, frailty, renal disease). Pharmac fully subsidises DSNFs for those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes requiring nutritional support however, in the absence of national guidance to support consistent and equitable use, clinicians can feel uncertain about the use of DSNFs especially in primary care settings. The development of an Aotearoa-specific consensus statement is both necessary and appropriate to provide clarity and guidance on the use of DSNF as it relates to our population.
The development of an Aotearoa-specific consensus statement aims to:
This project will deliver a nationally endorsed, practical tool that clinicians can use to optimise nutritional care, reduce variation in practice, and improve health outcomes for people with diabetes.
Members of the project group will undertake tasks and activities to achieve the collectively identified priorities. We are looking for clinicians with the following areas of interest/knowledge/expertise:
If you would like to apply to be part of the project group, please email your EOI with a paragraph outlining your area of interest/knowledge/expertise. If you are a team lead, please share this request with your team or networks. The working group will be chosen to ensure the group is representative. If there is overwhelming interest, we will also develop a "consultation group" to provide additional feedback along the journey.
Draft Terms of Reference available on request.
EOI's can be sent to:Emma.Irwin@cdhb.health.nz or Kathy.knight@pinnacle.health.nz
Closing date: 22nd June 2026
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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
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
NZSSD ASM Wednesday 6 - Friday 8 MAY 2026 (SIG Day Tuesday 5 May)
FINAL REMINDER:
Early bird registration and conference grants close at midnight on Wednesday 25 March
There will be no exceptions to this so if you are thinking about attending now is a great time to go online and register.
After March 25th full rates will apply.
CONFERENCE GRANT ELIGIBILITY: You will need to have been a paid member of NZSSD for at least one year (as at 24 March 2025) and have no dedicated CME funds.
ASM website link: nzssdasm.nz
REGISTRATION:
Early bird rates close Wednesday 25 March 2026
Standard rates apply 26 March - 25 April 2026 with late fees applying from 26 April 2026
CONFERENCE GRANTS:
Close with early bird on Wednesday 25 March 2026
We look forward to seeing you in Ahuriri Napier in May.
Ngā mihi
Sonya Fraser and Lisa Hoyle
NZSSD ASM 202 Co-Convenors
We warmly encourage you to join us for this important event and to register using the link below:
The course curriculum is designed by the New Zealand Wound Care Society (NZWCS) in partnership with Wendy White WoundCare. This unique micro-credentialed course incorporates WOUNDed® learning resources with NZWCS-specific content. Course learning includes online, self-directed learning, facilitated virtual tutorials, a two-day CSWD skills face-to-face practicum (this includes a multidisciplinary approach to lower leg and diabetic foot disease), and one-on-one mentoring in clinical practice to gain competency. If you are unable to find a suitable mentor please contact the NZWCS for assistance.
Link: https://nzwcs.org.nz/education/certificate-wound-debridement
In this issue, we feature a systematic review and meta-analysis of more than 1.6 million women across the globe which describes the adverse outcomes associated with low and high gestational weight gain, for both mothers and infants alike.
As usual we have attached the PDF, and you can also view the issue online.
Some of the other highlights include:
I trust you will find these articles interesting and clinically valuable and look forward to bringing you more exciting updates throughout 2026.
Kind regards,
Professor Jeremy Krebs
jeremykrebs@researchreview.co.nz
Click HERE to go to the website for more information and to register
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
