New research has identified a much higher risk of diabetes among Maori women than previously suspected.
The three-year Te Wai O Rona: Diabetes Prevention Strategy tested more than 4000 older Maori from the Waikato and Lakes areas.
It found that about 10% of women aged between 28 and 40 had problems processing glucose, which is a pointer to diabetes.
Diabetes New Zealand president Mike Smith told Waatea News the pre-diabetes state brings increased risks to women who become pregnant, including the risk of gestational diabetes which is another step towards Type 2 diabetes.