Research Review: Exploring self-reported risk of falls and foot health among Māori and non-Māori older adults at risk of diabetes foot disease Insights from the DaSH Study

Just after completing her second-year final examinations for her undergraduate degree in podiatry, Rachel Lee (AUT) collaborated with researchers from the University of Auckland (Michele Garrett & Associate Professor Jacqueline Ramke) and AUT (Dr Belinda Ihaka) to analyse a subset of data collected from a large collaborative HRC-funded project (DaSH project). Rachel also had the opportunity to spend time with the DaSH team for several weeks of hands-on fieldwork in Rotorua Lakes, helping with data collection. 

Rachel is one of five recipients of a summer studentship to carry out a research project in New Zealand with a focus on diabetes. These opportunities were co-funded by NZSSD and the Diabetes New Zealand Research Foundation.

2025/2026 Summer Student Report 

The rates of diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) are increasing and are a leading cause of amputation and diabetes-related hospitalisation in Aotearoa, disproportionately affecting Māori communities. The complex interplay between diabetes, gait, cognition, and fall risk underscores the importance of understanding foot health in older adults at risk of DFD. In Aotearoa the association between DFD and both the risk of falls and a history of falling remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to examine the association between self-reported falls risk, including a history of falling, and foot health among older Māori and non-Māori adults living with diabetes.  

The results of this study revealed differences in hand grip strength and foot checking habits between Māori and non-Māori as well as independent risk factors associated with falls in non-Māori; including foot deformity, advanced age, and female gender. These identified risk factors may inform early detection, treatment, and management strategies in fall prevention policies. This research also highlighted the lack of foot screenings with over half of the participants with diabetes never having had their feet checked, despite the expectation of annual foot checks for people with diabetes by a qualified person.

Personal highlights of the summer studentship included gaining practical experience in data collection outside of student placements and working within a multidisciplinary team that shared different perspectives and skills, all of which contribute to providing equitable and responsive care. Additionally, being able to bring forward new information that could benefit people living with diabetes was an incredible privilege and motivational factor for my research. This summer studentship was an invaluable experience that provided me with significant insight into the obstacles and demands of designing and completing a research project, laying the foundations for the critical skills needed to conduct research throughout my career.

Rachel Lee 

3^rd year Podiatry Student 

AUT University