Lay summary
Food is to be enjoyed rather than a treatment for diabetes. Sai ange mate makona (better to die in full stomach). Kai pe ke fakahounga'i si'enau hela (eat to appreciate/respect their effort to provide food). Findings from my research “Food and diabetes: the underlying factors that determine food practices of Tongans with type-2 diabetes” revealed how our culture (Nofo 'a kainga, Tauhi Va) influenced food practices and diabetes management of Tongan families and community in New Zealand. Knowledge and information sharing through Tongan media and health conferencing will move information from research project to the community. Sharing lived experiences with specific quotes from participant stories, emphasising how diabetes can be supported at home, family, church and community. Visual arts (short video clip) and performing arts (Tongan song and performance/Fakahaka) will capture and demonstrate the essence of food in maintaining relationship (Tauhi Va) and to help prevent the development of diabetes among Tongans.