November is Diabetes Action Month, Diabetes New Zealand’s biggest awareness campaign. This year’s focus is ending diabetes stigma.

More than 365,000 people in Aotearoa live with diabetes, and 80% say they’ve faced blame, shame or judgement because of it. Stigma can stop people getting checked or asking for support early.

To mark the month, our Nutrition and Diabetes team has made three short videos busting common diabetes myths. The more people know the facts, the easier it is to talk openly about diabetes.

Watch all them below and share with your whānau and friends.

Myth 1: “I feel well, so diabetes isn’t something to worry about”

The facts: some people don’t have any symptoms when their blood sugar is high. Many people live with type 2 diabetes for years before they’re diagnosed, and finding out early makes a real difference to managing it well.

The best way to find out is a simple blood test through your general practice.

If you’re already living with diabetes, you can have a free diabetes check-up at your general practice every year. Think of it as a warrant of fitness for your body: a chance to catch things early and get extra support if you need it, to keep you feeling well.

Not sure if you’re at risk?

Diabetes New Zealand’s Know Your Risk calculator asks a few simple questions about your age, background and health history. If it shows you’re at higher risk, talk to your general practice team about getting checked.

Myth 2: “If diabetes runs in your whānau, there’s nothing you can do about it”

The facts: family history raises your risk, but it doesn’t decide the outcome. Staying active, eating well and having regular checks can make a real difference, even when diabetes runs in the whānau. With the right support, people living with diabetes can live full, healthy lives and lower their risk of complications later on.

Myth 3: “Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar”

The facts: diabetes doesn’t have one single cause. Depending on the type, it can be autoimmune, genetic, hormonal or a mix of factors.

Sugar gets talked about a lot when it comes to diabetes, so it’s an easy myth to pick up. The good news is that people living with diabetes don’t need to cut out sugar or carbohydrates completely. It’s all about balance.