Golf's longest day for DIABETES NZ

Last year we played 72 holes on foot for Prostate Cancer and this year we are looking to take it further.

On the 10th of January, Nick and myself will attempt to play 90 holes (5 rounds) on foot in attempts to raise money for Diabetes New Zealand – a cause which is very close to home. During this hot summer’s day we will be playing golf, carrying our bags for over 50km and giving you an inside look into what it’s like to live with diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting an estimated 300,000 New Zealanders.

All carbohydrate foods are broken down into glucose in the blood. Insulin is the key hormone regulating the uptake of glucose from our bloodstream into the cells of our body in order to produce energy.

Type 1 accounts for 10% of diabetes and is triggered by an autoimmune response of the body attacking its own pancreatic cells and most commonly occurs during childhood from the ages of 7-12. In this form, the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of diabetes and usually affects people over the age of 40 and results from a combination of unhealthy lifestyle choices and genetic predisposition. In this form, the cells of the body have reduced ability to recognise and utilise the circulating insulin.

Not being able to produce insulin or use it effectively leads to raised glucose levels in the blood – hyperglycaemia. Over the long-term, high glucose levels leads to irreversible damage of various organ systems.

This is an important health issue which is likely to affect at least one person that you know, we would really appreciate any and all donations for this worthy cause.

If you have any questions, please sing out

Yours truly

Nick and Ali