About the Author
Kia ora
I’m Karen Reed, a New Zealand–based medical writer with a background in clinical biochemistry, research, medical writing, and health communication.
Diabetes Info NZ is my personal project — the intention is to provide independent, evidence-based, information for people and whānau living in Aotearoa New Zealand.
I have lived with type 1 diabetes for 45 years, and have a long-standing interest in the genetics and the science behind diabetes and how it affects people’s lives. With a family history of type 1 diabetes I have a strong research interest in genetic and environmental factors contributing to type 1 diabetes, and I love exploring new insights that could improve understanding and outcomes for future generations.
Diabetes Info NZ has evolved from Learn More About Diabetes, originally published in the UK in 1998 under my freelance medical writing initiative, Reed Biomedical.
My Approach
My work is guided by a few key principles:
- Evidence and clarity – grounded in current science, explained simply but accurately
- Equity and inclusion – reflecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi and diverse experiences across Aotearoa
- Respect for lived experience – acknowledging that data and stories both matter
- Transparency – my views are independent and do not represent any organisation I work for, including Diabetes NZ.
He aha te mea tino nui ki ahau i te ao? Ko te manaaki me te tautoko i te hunga e ora ana me te mate huka
What is the most important thing to me in the world? It is the care and support of people living with diabetes
I’m always open to suggestions and contributions – feel free to contact me!
Page last updated: December 2025
