How are we being supported???

How are we being Supported???


As identified in my previous blog a major contributing factor to the rising of type 2 diabetes among the population and children is that of the rise in obesity statistics.  I would like to look at what the government is currently doing to assist society in managing and potentially decreasing the rising numbers of obesity and type 2 diabetes within our community and young children. 

In 2006, the United Nations (UN) passed a historical resolution recognising 14 November each year as the United Nations World Diabetes Day and in doing so, requesting nations to develop policies to prevent, treat and care for people living with and those at risk of developing diabetes. 

Although the numbers of children dying of diabetes is high in low and middle-income countries because of the lack of insulin available, Mike Smith says that “We are in the same position as many third world countries in not having a strategy” (Diabetes New Zealand, 2010, para. 10.).  Although New Zealand is currently making good effort in trying to create an awareness of Obesity and Diabetes, Mike Smith advises that a national strategy or plan could provide the necessary influence in order to create awareness of these two diseases.

New ZealandFirst (2013) supports this by suggesting that the Government lives up to its health responsibilities and develop a national strategy to address these two epidemics of diabetes and obesity.

Mrs Stewart (New Zealand First, 2013) says that the over-consumption of sugar is a leading cause of obesity and diabetes.  New Zealand has the highest sugar intake in the world and coincidentally the highest rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the world.  All these facts identify a serious problem with regards to the rising levels of diabetes and obesity within our community.  I believe, like others, that it is time for the Government to urgently address this issue before it’s too late and severely impacts the health of our population and increases the financial cost to society (Diabetes New Zealand (2008), New Zealand First (2013) & Xinhua News Agency (2011)). 

So what is the government doing to address obesity and/or type 2 diabetes among children within New Zealand?

In 2003 the Labour government set up and funded a policy known as the ‘Obesity ActionCoalition’, which focused on lowering the rising numbers of the disease by educating society on making better decisions with regards to their health and nutrition.  National government has now done away with this policy as they believe that the money is able to be spent elsewhere to create this awareness.  The government is now suggesting that it would be more beneficial to reallocate the money into promoting physical activity among children and within schools.  National (2009) government has also scrapped the regulation of schools providing only healthy food options for children, therefore reintroducing unhealthy food choices.  Currently, the focus around this issue for the government is that of supporting healthy food at schools, but not making it a priority, and then also the implementation of new physical activity schemes for schools.

As identified, increase in physical activity does play a vital role in reducing the onset of obesity and type 2 diabetes, however educating the public, including parents and children on nutrition cannot be overlooked as crucial.  By educating parents and children on healthy lifestyles through nutrition contributes to empowering them through guidance in making long-term (lifelong) healthier lifestyles.

Sue Kedgley (Green Party, 2004) adds to this by stating that the idea of the government doing away with anti-obesity schemes is negligent as it removes the potential control and impact the government might have in educating families on these diseases and the effects of their choices on their health and in turn the rising numbers of the diseases.

Tony Ryall (National Government) has stated that the government is concerned about the rising numbers of these two epidemics, type 2 diabetes and obesity, and are focusing on providing clinical support and services in order to assist people suffering with these diseases.  He has suggested that they are doing so by funding necessary treatments, operations and specialised nursing staff to deal with these.  He advised that the government is focusing on increasing sport and physical activities in schools and decreasing the amount of advertising children are subjected to of unhealthy foods.  He did acknowledge that the government sees the value in nutrition education, but this does not seem to be a focus.

Another way government is able to support people in making these healthier food choices is by refocusing their attention to the food industry by addressing issues like fat tax and GST on fruit and vegetables.  After discussions with my peers, this seems to be an issue among some families.  It’s been suggested that it is cheaper to buy the unhealthier food options rather than the healthier, and in turn children are growing up being more familiar with the processed unhealthier nutrition options.

As making healthy food and nutrition choices seems to be of significance when it comes to preventing type 2 diabetes and obesity, the above focuses identified is of concern to me.  As children are our future and what we teach them now with regards to their health and wellbeing will make a significant impact to their future health.  I believe the government should be making it a priority to be educating society on the benefits of making healthy food choices and making it obtainable for people to exercise and demonstrate this type of lifestyle.  Their focus should be on preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes, instead of the treatment of these diseases.