This World Diabetes Month, November, we are calling all New Zealanders to 'Lap the Map’ for diabetes prevention.

Can you help us walk a combined distance surpassing the perimeter of the New Zealand coastline (15,000km).

Lions Clubs across the country will be hosting family friendly walks and community events to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness of diabetes in New Zealand.

See below for a sample of events by Lions.

It doesn’t matter how far you walk or run, it’s about being involved, getting active and moving together.

All funds raised will go towards diabetes awareness, prevention and research. 

 Aotearoa New Zealand is facing a serious and fast-growing type 2 diabetes problem. The number of people affected is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. Maori, Pacific and Asian communities will be most impacted because of long-standing inequities in health, access to care, and living conditions. If this trend continues, it will place a heavy burden on individuals, whanau, the health system, and the wider economy.

To slow this rise, we need environments that make healthy food, regular activity, and reduced exposure to harmful products easier for everyone. It is important to understand that Type 2 diabetes is not caused by obesity alone. Genetics, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, and social and economic conditions all contribute to known risk factors for people.

Communities need support to make positive lifestyle changes in ways that fit their culture and local needs. For individuals, diabetes affects physical and mental health, social life, and employment. It also leads to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage, and amputations.

Lions lnternational's role:

Lions Clubs International has made diabetes one of its global causes. Lions around the world work to raise awareness, support screening, promote healthy living, and strengthen community-based prevention. In New Zealand, Lions clubs are well placed to reach communities, build partnerships, and support people who may face barriers to care.

Your club can play an important part in this work. Let us know how your Lions club would like to support diabetes as a cause in Aotearoa New Zealand