Figures released in 2019 showed there were 45,266 people registered with the disease in Counties Manukau.

Simmons said the current healthcare model for treating diabetes in New Zealand was failing.

“From my perspective a lot more needs to be done to address this epidemic.”

Simmons said an independent diabetes ombudsman with powers to monitor how the Ministry of Health, DHBs, and healthcare providers are dealing with it would help improve the public health response to the disease and increase accountability.

He said the office could also make policy recommendations to the Government, handle complaints from the public and ensure service standards were being met.

Health commentator and former Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) executive director Ian Powell said the disease has an impact on so many New Zealanders and Simmons’ proposals should be taken on board.

“Diabetes is clearly one of the most prevalent and growing illnesses in the country. And over time it will affect more and more people and become an increasing burden on our health system, both clinically and financially.”

Powell said he agrees there was a need for an independent watchdog.

“It’s a very appealing idea and the motivation behind it is quite compelling,” Powell said.

“It’s certainly worthy of debate.”

Powell said while there was already an independent Health Quality and Safety Commission, it was ultimately responsible to the minister of health.

Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa chairman Dr John Baker agreed with Simmons.

“I think it’s a great idea,” he said.

“There’s no real channel for patients with diabetes to challenge decisions by the likes of Pharmac.

“Having an ombudsman specifically focused on diabetes would be much more effective.”

Associate Minister of Health Peeni Henare would not respond to questions regarding Simmons’ call for a diabetes ombudsman, but in a statement said work was underway to “improve our national response at all levels”.

“The ministry has recently commenced work to develop a refreshed multi-year diabetes action plan that addresses the continuum of diabetes care; from prevention, to newly diagnosed diabetes, and management of diabetic-related complications.”