Diabetes Awareness Month in NZ – How Imaging Helps Diabetes
November is Diabetes Awareness Month in New Zealand. It’s an important time to raise awareness about diabetes, a growing public health concern that affects nearly one in four New Zealanders. The month focuses on educating communities about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, highlighting the importance of early detection, preventive measures, and effective management strategies.
Read on to learn how Canopy Imaging contributes to Diabetes Action Month and the medical technology used to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces(1).
Insulin is a hormone that regulates how the body processes and uses blood glucose (sugar), a critical energy source for the cells in your body. In 2023, 323,700 New Zealanders were estimated to have diabetes, some 44.3% of the population. This has increased 7% in the last ten years(2). Diabetes Awareness Month is a crucial time to inspire change and work toward slowing or reversing this trend.
A study done by the University of Otago predicts a 70-90% increase in people with type 2 diabetes over the next twenty years(2). Currently, almost 5% of New Zealanders have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes — the annual cost of this preventable health condition is approximately $2.1 billion.(2)
What are the complications of diabetes?
Not everyone with diabetes will experience all or any complications. Maintaining good blood glucose control can significantly reduce the risk of complications(4). Common related health issues include nerve and blood vessel damage, which can affect eyesight, extremities (especially feet), and kidneys, as well as cardiovascular disease and stroke.
How can Canopy Imaging help with diabetes?
Medical imaging plays a valuable role in early detection and monitoring of diabetes-related complications. It can also help to personalise interventions such as surgery or physical therapies for complications.
Ultrasound may be used to monitor kidney size and structure and early signs of diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease). Doppler Ultrasound is often used to evaluate blood flow in the legs and feet and assess peripheral artery disease risk. Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring, a CT scan, detects calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, indicating potential heart disease risks, which may be elevated in people with diabetes.
Where can I get a Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CTCA)?
- Canopy Imaging, Kensington Ave, Whangārei
- Canopy Imaging, Shakespeare Rd, Milford, Auckland
- Canopy Imaging, Ormiston Hospital, Flat Bush, Auckland
- Canopy Imaging, Haupapa Street, Rotorua
- Canopy Imaging, Prospect Rd, Hastings
- Broadway Radiology, Palmerston North
- Absolute Radiology, New Plymouth
Where can I get an Ultrasound?
At Canopy Imaging, our focus is you. By providing detailed diagnostic imaging, we can improve patient care and better treatment outcomes for diabetes patients.
Book your appointment online now to get ahead of any potential complications.
References:
1 - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
2 - https://www.otago.ac.nz/diabetes/research-at-edgar-diabetes-and-obesity-research/diabetes/type-2-diabetes
3 - About diabetes – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
4 - Diabetes | Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission
