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If you’ve been told you’re in the pre-diabetic range, you’re not alone. 1 in 4 adults in Aotearoa New Zealand has pre-diabetes, and without intervention, many of these individuals will go on to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D). The good news? Research shows that with the right support and lifestyle changes, you can reduce your blood sugar levels, improve your health, and lower your risk of developing T2D. Our new program, developed in partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT), is designed to help you do just that. Based on the latest evidence, this program provides personalised support to help you make sustainable changes that can improve your health and wellbeing.

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Understanding Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. It serves as an important warning sign—an opportunity to act and make changes that protect your health. When your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range, your body is sending you signals. Think of it as an early warning system, giving you time to make changes that can dramatically improve your health. Many people feel tired, experience increased thirst, or notice other subtle changes. These symptoms aren't just inconveniences – they're your body asking for help.

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Keys to reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes is addressing factors like:

• Weight Reduction: Losing just 5-10% of your body weight can make a significant impact on blood sugar control.

• Dietary Changes: Reducing simple sugars and processed foods, and increasing whole, nutrient-dense foods, helps stabilise blood sugar levels.

• Movement Improvements: Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, strength training, or yoga, improves insulin sensitivity, or how your body regulates sugar.

• Sleep Quality: Prioritising good sleep can improve your body's ability to regulate blood sugar.

• Stress Reduction: High stress levels can contribute to insulin resistance where your body is unable to absorb and use the sugar (fuel) properly. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are powerful tools to manage this stress.

• Healthy Relationships and Work-Life Balance: Social support and reducing workplace stress contribute to overall well-being and improved blood sugar control.

 

The amazing thing about our bodies is their ability to heal and adapt. Even small changes can create powerful results. When you lose just 5% of your body weight – that's 4kg for someone weighing 80kg – your body responds by using insulin (and therefore sugar) more effectively. People who reduce high levels of blood sugar often report feeling more energetic, sleeping better, and having clearer thinking even before seeing changes on the scale.

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Introducing Our Evidence-Based Program​​

We’ve partnered with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to bring you a cutting-edge, evidence-based program aimed at reducing blood sugar levels and helping you regain control of your health. This program includes personalised support from both your GP and a dedicated health coach, who will work closely with you to implement sustainable lifestyle changes.

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Why Health Coaching?

Many people aren’t familiar with health coaching, but it’s a powerful tool for making lasting changes. Health coaches are trained professionals who specialize in helping people like you adopt healthier habits. They don’t just tell you what to do—they work with you to create a plan that works for your life.

Here’s what makes health coaching unique:

    • Personalised Support: Your coach will tailor their approach to your needs, preferences, and challenges.

    • Accountability: Regular check-ins help you stay on track and motivated.

    • Encouragement: Your coach will celebrate your wins and help you navigate setbacks.

    • Education: You’ll learn how to make informed decisions about your health.

 

How You, Your GP and Health Coach Work Together

Your GP: Your Milford Medical GP will oversee your clinical care, update your test levels, ensuring that your health is closely monitored. They will assess your progress, provide medical guidance, and ensure that any necessary adjustments are made to your care plan.

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Your Health Coach: A health coach serves as your guide and accountability partner, helping you translate your GP's recommendations into practical, day-to-day actions. Here's what you can expect from your health coach:

• Personalised Goal Setting: They’ll work with you to define achievable, meaningful goals for weight, activity, and nutrition.

• Actionable Strategies: Your health coach will provide tailored advice on meal planning, exercise routines, and stress management techniques that fit your lifestyle.

• Regular Check-ins: They’ll meet with you regularly (in person or virtually) to review progress, celebrate wins, and navigate challenges.

• Ongoing Motivation: Your coach will provide encouragement and support, helping you stay on track even when life gets busy or difficult.

 

By combining the clinical expertise of your GP with the hands-on guidance of a health coach, this program offers a comprehensive, team-based approach to lowering blood sugar and reversing pre-diabetes.

 

Your Role: You’ll play an active role in your health journey by:

    • Committing to small, manageable changes.

    • Engaging with your health coach and GP.

    • Celebrating your progress along the way.

 

Why Invest in Health Coaching?

While this program is not government-funded, the investment in health coaching is an investment in your future health. Health coaches are trained to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to succeed. Their role is instrumental in helping you make lasting changes that lower your blood sugar and improve your overall quality of life.

The fees for the additional health coach support are as follows:

1st visit or online session (1 hour consultation) is $75

2nd, 3rd, 4th visit (30 minutes via online consultation) is $75 each, and only as you need them

If you cannot afford these fees, please contact us and we’ll see how we can help.

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A Journey to Better Health—Together

We understand that making lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Many people find that having regular support makes the difference between temporary changes and lasting transformation. Our program is designed to walk alongside you every step of the way, providing the guidance, support, and encouragement you need to succeed. By taking action today, you’re not just reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes—you’re taking control of your health and building a foundation for a healthier, more vibrant future.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?
Every person who has successfully improved their health started with a single step. Some days will be easier than others, and that's perfectly normal. What matters is having the right support to keep moving forward. With your GP and health coach working together, you'll have the guidance and encouragement needed to make lasting changes.

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Sources

[1] HbA1c test – diagnosing diabetes and pre-diabetes | Healthify https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/h/hba1c-testing/

[4] Five Evidence-Based Lifestyle Habits People With Diabetes Can Use https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7364446/

[5] Diabetes Education, the Quadruple Aim and Health Coaching - ADE https://ade.adea.com.au/diabetes-education-the-quadruple-aim-and-health-coaching-a-perfect-match/

[6] Healthy lifestyle can prevent diabetes (and even reverse it) https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-lifestyle-can-prevent-diabetes-and-even-reverse-it-2018090514698

[7] New research: reversing Type 2 diabetes https://www.aut.ac.nz/news/stories/new-research-on-reversing-type-2-diabetes

[8] Pre-Diabetes - Diabetes New Zealand https://www.diabetes.org.nz/pre-diabetes

[9] Primary Care–Based Health Coaching for the Management of ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6124994/

[10] Prediabetes reversed with personalised health coaching https://www.radcliffecardiology.com/news/prediabetes-reversed-personalised-health-coaching

[13] New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes - Prediabetes https://t2dm.nzssd.org.nz/Section-98-Prediabetes

[15] Prediabetes Is on the Rise—But It Can Be Reversed - Yale Medicine https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/prediabetes

[16] 14 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally - Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/14-ways-to-lower-blood-sugar

[17] How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: 11 Methods - Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/prevent-diabetes

[18] Diabetes — Evidence-Based Resources - Healthy People 2030 https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/diabetes/evidence-based-resources

[19] Lifestyle Changes for Type 2 Diabetes https://www.diabetes.co.uk/lifestyle-changes-for-type2-diabetes.html

[20] Healthy Coping: How Lifestyle Coaches Can Help People ... - adces https://www.adces.org/store/online-education/detail/healthy-coping-how-lifestyle-coaches-can-help-people-with-prediabetes-manage-stress-recorded

[21] Lifestyle Modification for Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585052/

[22] Lifestyle and the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: A Status Report https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6125024/