Lay summary
Type 2 diabetes is a major long-term condition in New Zealand with significant inequities for Māori resulting in poorer outcomes (higher rates of incidence, hospitalisation and mortality), especially for those living in areas of high deprivation. Both historically and currently, the diabetes intervention focus has been on doctor and nurse-led primary health strategies, which have inherent access barriers for many kaumātua and limited effectiveness. Achieving equity in type 2 diabetes intervention outcomes requires a comprehensive and culturally responsive approach that proactively removes access barriers. The proposed research will explore a multi-disciplinary whānau-centered, 12-week programme, that will be delivered through a novel health care model - a mobile marae and rural community clinic - thereby reaching out to whānau who are either geographically isolated and/or live in deprived conditions. It is hypothesized that this intervention and delivery approach will result in better outcomes for Māori with type 2 diabetes.