Recent national data has brought to light a pressing concern regarding the increasing incidence of diabetes among younger Fijians, as highlighted in the Fiji 2025 STEPS Survey. Dr. Devina Nand, the Head of Wellness at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, revealed that 4.7 percent of individuals aged 18 to 29 are now living with diabetes, indicating a significant demographic shift for a condition historically associated with older populations.
The overall prevalence of diabetes in Fiji has now reached 16.5 percent, rising from 14.6 percent reported in the 2011 STEPS Survey. Alarmingly, the average age of those diagnosed with the disease is currently 47.6 years, which places a considerable number of affected individuals within the country’s productive workforce. The survey also highlights a stark contrast among older adults aged 60 to 69, whose prevalence has soared to 36.5 percent. It’s noteworthy that women account for a larger share of these cases, making up 53.7 percent, largely due to risk factors like overweight and obesity.
Regionally, the Western Division exhibits the highest diabetes prevalence at 18.2 percent, with the Central Division closely following at 16.9 percent. In response to these alarming statistics, Dr. Nand announced revisions to Fiji’s diabetes management guidelines. The new standards now define normal fasting blood sugar levels as below 5.6 millimoles per liter, while levels ranging from 5.6 to 6.9 signify pre-diabetes, and readings of 7 or higher confirm diabetes.
A particularly concerning insight from the survey is the lack of awareness and management of diabetes among the younger population. Only about 5 percent of young respondents knew their diabetic status, and merely 33 percent were receiving medication. Despite improvements in treatment access, there continues to be a significant gap in adherence and effective management of the condition.
These findings underscore the urgent necessity for early screening, lifestyle changes, and preventive measures aimed specifically at younger adults to alleviate the rising diabetes burden in Fiji. There is a critical need for both public health initiatives and community awareness programs, which can inspire efforts toward a healthier future for Fijians of all ages. Encouragingly, these challenges also present opportunities for innovative health solutions and collaborations that can foster better health outcomes in the population.