The obesity debate can be frustrating for diabetics, as it has increased stigma around the disease, Diabetes New Zealand president Deb Connor says.
This month Mrs Connor (46), of Outram, began a three-year term leading the national body that advocates for people with diabetes.
She believes stigma can be overcome with support and correct information.
''There's quite a bit of stigma, and it concerns me a little bit around the huge push around obesity at the moment.
''The real focus on obesity means people are hiding [their diagnosis], because there's a stigma.''
As a type 1 diabetic, Mrs Connor had been asked if she ate too many sweets as a child, which reflected ignorance about the different types of diabetes.
Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes.
The organisation covers all three types, including gestational diabetes.
Prevention and healthy eating campaigns meant the needs of those who already had the disease risked being overlooked.
Mrs Connor's goals as president include emphasising the need for resources and information for people with an existing diagnosis, and increasing membership numbers in the 20 to 50 age group.
Mrs Connor said she was unable to travel as much as her predecessor, Chris Baty, and she had worked with her chief executive and deputy president to modify the role.
As far as she knew, she was the first person in the Dunedin area to lead the organisation.
Mrs Connor attended a diabetes awareness event yesterday outside a Dunedin supermarket.
Attended by Prof Jim Mann and Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, it was part of the Diabetes Awareness Month Road Show.
More than 15,500 people in the Southern District Health Board catchment have diabetes, a 2014 Ministry of Health estimate said.
