Former President of the Fiji College of General Practitioners, Doctor Rajesh Maharaj, has raised serious concerns about the deadly impact of diabetes, saying many people living with the disease remain undiagnosed.
He says many people are either unaware that they have diabetes or are ignoring the fact that they have the disease.
Dr Maharaj says diabetes leads to complications such as heart disease, retinopathy, eye problems and kidney disease.
He adds that while people may know the symptoms, they are choosing to ignore them.
He highlighted the need to revisit current strategies aimed at controlling the disease, as the messages are not sinking in.
Dr Maharaj says evidence-based strategies must be followed, with a focus on reducing sugar intake, carbonated drinks, processed food and carbohydrates.
Meanwhile, the annual cost of diabetes alone is $145 million, while the total burden for NCDs reaches $591 million.
