The number of diabetic amputations in Aotearoa is rising, with Māori communities hit especially hard.
A recent study shows Type 2 diabetes rates for Māori are three times higher than for non-Māori, highlighting systemic and cultural barriers that contribute to poor diabetes management and increased risk of complications.
Pat Newman, Principal of Hora Hora School in Whangārei, lost his leg after years of ignoring medical advice and hopes sharing his story will serve as a wake-up call.
“People keep saying to me, why’d you get your leg taken off? And I don’t say diabetes, I say because I didn’t listen to the doctors. And I think that’s something that, as a diabetic, we really need to recognize,” says Newman.
He says his experience is far from unique, especially among Māori, who are overrepresented in hospital wards for diabetes-related complications.
“For us, Māori, there’s huge numbers. And I saw huge numbers of people up there having the same operation as I do. And it’s not a matter of saying, I’ll just get an artificial leg. There’s a whole heap of work you got to do before you get to that,” says Newman.
Newman urges everyone, especially those at risk, to take diabetes seriously, listen to their doctors, and make lifestyle changes before it’s too late.
