Only 6.2 percent of adults living with diabetes in Fiji have achieved controlled blood sugar levels, prompting the University of Fiji's Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences to call for urgent national action to strengthen diabetes prevention, early detection and treatment.
The University says according to the Fiji 2025 STEPS Survey, 16.5 percent of adults aged between 18 and 69 are living with diabetes, compared to 14.6 percent in 2011.
The survey also reveals that only 46.5 percent of people identified as having diabetes were previously aware of their condition, while just 33 percent were taking medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem says public health resources should now prioritise preventing diabetes and ensuring appropriate treatment for those already living with the disease.
Professor Shameem says research into diabetes prevention and treatment must also be accelerated.
She says the University is employing international expertise to undertake preventative research that can contribute to better health outcomes for communities.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor at the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Abhijit Gogoi, says the findings of the 2025 STEPS Survey are deeply concerning.
Dr Gogoi says poorly controlled diabetes significantly increases the risk of serious complications, including kidney failure, vision loss, cardiovascular disease and lower-limb amputations.
He says early diagnosis alone is not enough, as patients must have consistent access to medication, regular monitoring, appropriate dietary guidance and continued medical support.
Dr Gogoi says preventing complications such as foot infections and amputations requires timely intervention and sustained diabetes management.
The University also highlighted that approximately 68 percent of adults in Fiji are overweight or obese, according to the 2025 STEPS Survey.
It says unhealthy dietary practices and obesity remain major contributors to Fiji's growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
The University stresses that while individuals have a responsibility to adopt healthier lifestyles, effective diabetes prevention and management also depend on accessible healthcare services, affordable medication and regular screening.
It says particular attention must be given to rural and maritime communities, where geographical barriers can affect access to healthcare, early diagnosis and treatment.
The University is calling for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, academic institutions, healthcare professionals, the private sector and communities to strengthen Fiji's response to diabetes.
As Fiji marks World Diabetes Day today under the theme "Early Action on Diabetes", the University is encouraging Fijians to undergo regular health screenings, adopt healthier diets, remain physically active and follow prescribed medical treatment.
