The International Diabetes Federation says the rate of diabetes in Fiji is amongst the highest in the world with estimates ranging between one in five and one in four people affected by diabetes.
This was highlighted by Labasa Sangam Nursing Head of School Kishan Kumar while speaking at the Northern Diabetes Open Day.
Kumar stressed that a diabetes‑related amputation is carried out by surgeons in Fiji every 12 hours and it is also estimated that 33% of the patients in the surgical wards are people with diabetes.
He says to help tackle this Fiji Diabetes Incorporated with Ministry of Health and Medical Services are conducting training among peer groups in every village to help educate them on foot care, diet, exercise and stress management that are all related to Diabetes.
He adds that so far in the North, there are five Diabetes Peer Groups.
Kumar also acknowledged the work of the village health workers who worked tirelessly without any incentive in their communities to conduct health programs fortnightly.
