The General Surgeon at CWM Hospital, Doctor Timoci Qereqeretabua says from a research conducted at the CWM Hospital, they have found that i-Taukei men are at the highest risk of getting an amputation based on late presentation of diabetes cases to the hospital.
While responding to a question during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan on the high-risk group in terms of diabetes, Dr Qereqeretabua says in 2017, they had conducted a research to assess who were the high-risk individuals or patients who come in with complications of diabetes.
Those who are obese and do not exercise are at a high risk of getting diabetes.
He says women who develop diabetes during pregnancy, are also in the high-risk category of developing diabetes later.
He also highlighted that a lot of people who come to them for diagnosis do not know they have diabetes, and he is urging everyone to get their blood test as it does not cost any money.
When questioned on the symptoms of diabetes, Principal Medical Officer at the National Diabetes Centre, Doctor Momtaz Ahmed, says there are three major symptoms of diabetes.
He says these are frequent passing of urine, frequently feeling thirsty and excessive feel of hunger. Dr Ahmed says apart from the three major symptoms, diabetes can also be noticed by weight loss and fatigue.
He also highlighted that people need to get tested for their sugar levels at least every 6 months.
You can watch the full Straight Talk interview on our website, fijivillage.
