Ethnic inequity in diabetes outcomes — inaction in the face of need

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Jansen RM, et al.

February 3, 2021

Summary:

The long-standing ethnic disparities in hyperglycaemia and diabetes care support services for Māori and Pasifika compared with European New Zealanders were discussed in this editorial. The authors commented that programmes to support lifestyle change to prevent or delay diabetes in the wider Māori and Pasifika communities, and prevent diabetes complications among those with diabetes receive inconsistent Government funding and resourcing. They noted that access to newer anti-diabetes agents is often limited to patients who meet certain criteria or are able to pay.

Comment:

I’ve included these papers together to highlight one important point. We may think that having a treatment (in the first instance, insulin pumps) that is made available to all is being equitable. However, as the authors demonstrated in this first paper, this isn’t the case and in fact unequal access leads to inequitable outcomes. Instead a targeted approach is required, as argued in the second paper by Jansen and others. Thankfully PHARMAC heeded the call from the numerous submissions, including the College of GPs

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.