Media release from Sanofi

Auckland diabetes specialist physician, Dr Rinki Murphy said she was really inspired talking to members of top professional cycling team, Team Type 1 Sanofi, who are competing in the New Zealand Cycle Classic from January 25-29.

Team Type 1 Sanofi is unique in professional cycling in that six of its 21 riders have Type 1 diabetes.  They aim to show that having diabetes need not stop you from reaching your personal goals in life.

"I see some adolescents who have Type 1 diabetes and it would be really good if they could talk to each other and meet athletes like these," said Dr Murphy, who was one of around 30 people, including diabetes specialists, nurses and dieticians, who met the team at a special community outreach event in Auckland yesterday (January 23). 

Dr Murphy asked team member Fabio Calabria, who is the reigning Australian sprint cycling champion, how he manages his Type 1 diabetes.  The young rider, who spoke openly to the audience about his condition, said:

"I keep a routine by eating the same things most days and taking the same dosage of insulin. When we travel it's harder because of the different time zones and different foods so I just have to monitor my sugar levels a lot more. It's just an added challenge but if you monitor it you can catch it before it goes up or down."

Diabetes is a major and growing health issue for New Zealand. Of high income countries, this country has the fourth highest rate of diabetes. Over 200,000 New Zealanders have diabetes, and every day 40 more people are diagnosed. By 2021, it's estimated it could cost the country over a billion dollars each year.

While Type 1 diabetes is unavoidable, the most common form of diabetes in New Zealand, Type 2 diabetes, can mostly be prevented by staying active and choosing healthier foods.
 
Sanofi's diabetes team is working with Diabetes New Zealand and Cycle Tour organisers to create a programme of community outreach activities with the team while they are in New Zealand.

Diabetes Auckland general manager John Denton presented Esthie de Wet of Hobsonville with a Diabetes Achievement Award at yesterday's event.  Counties-Manukau DHB clinical nurse specialist Theresa Busler nominated Ms De Wet for the award for maintaining good glycaemic control of her diabetes.

Esthie is a full time student at Auckland University. She is also a highly committed athlete who has been chosen to be part of the Auckland Rowing Development Squad. This involves cardiovascular and weight training up to 10 times a week. She also manages to hold down a part time job.

"Esthie understands the importance of excellent glycaemic control not only to ensure that she performs at her peak as an athlete - but also to reduce the risk for complications. As a result of this and her hectic training schedule she tests frequently and makes constant adjustments to her regimen to improve outcomes," Mrs Busler said in her nomination.