The Kiwis are taking over! This week, Beyond Type 1 and Diabetes New Zealand are joining forces to present the second annual Kiwi Takeover of Beyond Type 1 social media. So, if you’re seeing more than the average number of New Zealanders on your newsfeed - that’s why!

Through this unique global partnership Beyond Type 1 + Diabetes NZ have been able to create exciting, collaborative and impactful projects in New Zealand.

Diabetes New Zealand is a charity that represents and supports New Zealanders living with diabetes. “We have been providing support, information and resources for more than 50 years to an estimated 26,000 people living with Type 1 diabetes in New Zealand”, says Heather Verry, CEO of Diabetes New Zealand.

Beyond Type 1 is a USA-based non-profit, founded by multi-platinum selling recording artist Nick Jonas, Juliet de Baubigny, Sarah Lucas + Sam Talbot. They are leveraging the power of social media & technology changing what it means to live with a chronic disease, uniting the global online community and partnering with local charities - like Diabetes New Zealand to bring their programs to life for people the world over.

Such as every child aged 4-10 years, living with Type 1 diabetes in New Zealand is eligible for a free #1 pack from Diabetes NZ – which includes a Jerry the Bear from Beyond Type 1!

With the help of the Jerry the Bear App, children living with Type 1 diabetes discover how they can still play with their friends, take part in sport and enjoy their life to the full, all while learning more about managing their diabetes.

In October 2017, Beyond Type 1 and Diabetes NZ launched a DKA campaign in New Zealand to help raise awareness about DKA (Diabetes Ketoacidosis) and the warning signs of Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes New Zealand sent posters to over 1100 general practitioners across the country and the NZ Doctor magazine provided a campaign insert for their 2700 subscribers.

Beyond Type 1’s philosophy is “No matter where you are in the world, you are part of the global community of people impacted by Type 1 diabetes. Like a not-so-secret society, we share a bond others simply cannot understand”.