30 percent of the Fijian population are diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and most of them have their legs amputated or they even die from this.
The latest statistics from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services 2025 Evaluation Report pushes Fiji within reach of the International Diabetes Federation’s 2050 forecast of 130,600 cases - a staggering 25 years early.
Diabetes Fiji Executive Director, Kini Marawa says this is becoming an alarm since it continues to increase.
Marawa says a total of 80 young people have registered under the Diabetes Program and Diabetes Fiji has noted an increasing number of daily registrations, with most of them being young people.
Marawa says this is not only for those newly diagnosed but also for some who have been missing out on treatment for months or even years.
Kini says that when these individuals begin developing complications, they then realize the importance of coming back for further discussions and consultations with their medical team.
He adds that their priority is to narrow down the age group, as there are many with Type 1 diabetes who are already above 30 years old.
