Diabetes amongst the Maori population of New Zealand is a major problem. Like numerous other ethnic groups across the world, the Maori are particularly susceptible to the disease. A major prevention project targeting diabetes amongst the Maori population of Waikato has failed to attract projected numbers, according to initial reports . Doctors maintain that the project has been worthwhile.
The aim of the project, known as Te Wai o Rona, was to screen up to 15,000 Maori for type 2 diabetes. The project was launched three years ago and is due to finish in December. Unfortunately, only 5,000 people have taken part to this date .
However, experts say that the project will still provide a firm basis for further research into diabetes amongst this population. The president of Diabetes New Zealand, Mr. Murray Dear, said that the pilot project had been successful, and should be introduced on a national basis. He stressed, once again, the importance of prevention and awareness in averting a future healthcare crisis.
Unfortunately, New Zealand and Australia are not immune to the diabetes epidemic sweeping the globe . Rising levels of obesity in these countries has provoked a huge surge in the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
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