Kapahaka Analogy

Imagine a kapahaka roopuu at Te Matatini

Māte Huka Momo Rua is like having a team where either

1. people don't know the actions (insulin resistance)

2. or only some people know the actions (insulin sensitivity)

so then the kapahaka team cannot perform properly (glucose cannot get into the cells)

Kapahaka analogy

In type 2 diabetes, we don’t have the kapa haka roopu practising enough

So either they don’t know the actions (insulin resistance) OR
Only SOME of them know the actions (insulin sensitivity)

1. The Kapa Haka Roopuu: This represents the person.

2. Te Ora (Vitality/Wellbeing)/Sucessful roopu = Glucose

3. Individual people in the roopuu = Cells

4. Ngaa Tikanga (Practices/Actions): Insulin

5. Manukura, Kaitataki wahine/taane = insulin – kapahaka roopu leaders

We need Te Ora (glucose) to get into the cells (people), therefore we need ngaa tikanga (practices) - insulin and manukura leaders (also insulin). When we have the leaders & the tikanga working (insulin), this means that the roopuu (cells), know the actions (can take glucose into the cells).

Another way to describe it, with collective and holistic care is:

The Kapa Haka Team: Represents the individual with Type 2 diabetes and their overall health and well-being.

The Tuu (Stance): Represents the foundation of diabetes management - a strong commitment to self-care. Just like a haka needs a solid stance, managing diabetes requires a foundation of knowledge, motivation, and support.

3. The Ngaaue (Movements): Represent the key actions for managing diabetes

Te Kai (Food): Represents healthy eating. Just like a haka needs coordinated movements, managing diabetes requires making informed food choices.
Te Korikori (Physical Activity): Represents regular exercise. Just like haka involves dynamic movements, physical activity is essential for diabetes management.
Ngaa Rongoaa (Medication): Represents prescribed medications. Just like a haka might incorporate poi, taiaha or guitars, medication can be an important tool for managing diabetes.

4. The Reo (Chants): Represents communication and support. Just like haka involves powerful waiata, open communication with healthcare providers, whaanau, and support groups is crucial for managing diabetes.

5. The Whaanau (Family/Support System): Represents the support network. Just like a haka team relies on each other, individuals with Mate Huka Momo Rua need support from their whaanau, friends, and community.

6. The Kaiaarahi (Leader/Healthcare Provider): Represents the healthcare team. Just like a kaiārahi guides the haka, healthcare providers guide individuals in their diabetes management journey.

Explanation:

A successful kapa haka performance requires coordination, discipline, and teamwork, just like managing Type 2 diabetes.
Each member of the team (individual with diabetes) has a role to play, and their actions contribute to the overall performance (health and well-being).
The kaiaarahi (leader of the haka team/healthcare provider) provides guidance and support, but ultimately, it is the individual (the kapa haka team) who must perform the haka (manage their diabetes).
When all the elements are in sync – the stance, movements, waiata, haka support, and guidance – the performance is powerful and successful, just like effective diabetes management leads to positive health outcomes.