Torbay & Long Bay Medical Newsletter
Welcome to the Torbay and Long Bay Newsletter! We are excited to bring you the latest updates, health tips, and important information from our medical community. Our goal is to keep you informed about new services and health initiatives that matter to you. Thank you for joining us on this journey to better health and well-being!
NZ Diabetes
Change to screening guidelines from 1st July 2026
New Zealand’s diabetes diagnosis guidelines are changing to align with international standards.
What this means for you:
Diabetes is commonly diagnosed using a blood test called HbA1c, which measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months.
The current updated NZ diagnostic framework:
HbA1c (main test used for diagnosis)
- Normal (no diabetes): < 42 mmol/mol
- Prediabetes: 42 - 47 mmol/mol (previously 41- 49)
- Diabetes: ≥ 48 mmol/mol (lowered from ≥ 50)
The threshold for diagnosing diabetes has been lowered. This means some people who were previously classified as having pre-diabetes may now be diagnosed with diabetes.
If this change affects you, there is no need to worry. Earlier diagnosis allows treatment and support to begin sooner, helping reduce the risk of long-term complications.
What is diabetes and pre-diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot effectively control blood sugar levels. Over time, this can increase the risk of complications.
Pre-diabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. This is an important warning stage where lifestyle changes can often prevent progression to diabetes.
Managing blood sugar early can:
- Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Protect kidney health
- Prevent nerve damage and foot problems
- Reduce risk of vision loss
- Improve long-term energy and wellbeing
If you have been told you have pre-diabetes, or you are at increased risk of diabetes, we encourage you to book an appointment early. Support at this stage can often prevent progression to diabetes. At Torbay Medical Centre we will work with you.
Working alongside your doctor to support your diabetes care:
Diabetes Nurse
- Regular foot checks to detect early nerve or circulation changes
- Monitoring of blood sugar and cardiovascular risk
- Support with medications and care planning
- Ensuring appropriate referrals and ongoing follow-up
Health Coach / Health Improvement Practitioner
- One-on-one support for lifestyle change
- Help with goal setting and motivation
- Advice on nutrition, physical activity
- Ongoing encouragement and follow-up
Diabetes prevention works best as a partnership between you and your healthcare team. With early detection, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support, many people can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
If you would like support or more information, please contact the practice reception team.
If you are invited to a FREE diabetes annual review with the nurse, please book in. Your health is worth it.
Important update on HPV vaccination delivery from 1 July 2026
Health NewZealand I Te Whatu Ora has announced an important change to how human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination will be delivered through the School Based Immunisation Programme from next month.
From 27 July 2026, children will be offered one dose of the HPV vaccine (Gardasil9) at school, with parent or caregiver consent. HPV dose 2 will no longer be offered in schools from this date.
The approved HPV vaccination course in New Zealand is currently two doses for children aged 9 to 14 years. However, international studies show that a single dose provides 97-98% protection against HPV infection and HPV-related cancers.
Based on this evidence, the World Health Organization now recommends a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule. Many countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom, have already adopted this approach.
Note, a second HPV dose remains free and available through GPs, pharmacies and community health providers at least six months after the first dose, should it be requested by whānau.
This change will enable schools to prioritise increasing the uptake of HPV dose 1 (which is currently low) and other catch-up immunisations to address existing immunity gaps and maximise the impact of the programme.
From 27 July 2026 (Term 3), the School Based Immunisation Programme will deliver:
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HPV dose 1 (Gardasil9)
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Tdap (Boostrix)
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Catch-up measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) (Priorix)