Type 2 diabetes (mate huka) currently affects almost 300,000 people in Aotearoa, while a further >900,000 people have prediabetes. Substantial inequities exist with Māori, Pacific and South-Asian people bearing both the highest burden of disease and the poorest health outcomes.

With effective management, the long-term complications of type 2 diabetes can largely be prevented. Individualised management using a variety of treatments, including lifestyle modifications and the timely introduction and intensification of oral and injectable therapies, ensures optimal outcomes.