Rising diabetes rates in Fiji have led to urgent public health initiatives, highlighting the essential relationship between diet, lifestyle, and insulin resistance. The concerning trend reveals that high blood sugar levels, stemming from insufficient insulin functionality, can result in severe health complications, including foot infections and heart disease.
Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, the President of the Fiji Medical Association (FMA) and a lifestyle medicine expert, emphasized this connection during the VegFest Fiji 2025 program. This event was organized in partnership with the Alliance Française de Suva and the FMA. Dr. Vakamocea pointed out that the central issue of diabetes is not merely the consumption of sugar but rather elevated blood sugar due to insulin dysfunction.
He outlined the distinctions between various types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the pancreas producing little to no insulin, while Type 2 diabetes is related to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. Gestational diabetes, occurring during pregnancy, also heightens the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on. He stressed that managing insulin function is vital, as insulin helps regulate sugar, which serves as energy for the body.
The physician explained the detrimental effects of high glucose levels on small blood vessels, especially affecting the extremities, eyes, kidneys, and heart. This can lead to serious complications such as foot infections, blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease. Furthermore, diabetic neuropathy, resulting from nerve damage due to poor blood flow, can diminish a patient’s ability to sense pain.
These complications not only pose significant health challenges but also account for a major increase in hospitalizations and long-term care needs across Fiji. In response, enhanced data collection and screening initiatives are being rolled out to improve diabetes management and related health issues throughout the country.
The World Health Organization’s upcoming STEP survey is expected to provide updated statistics on diabetes, hypertension, and lifestyle factors in Fiji, aiding the development of more targeted interventions. This survey aims to uncover undiagnosed cases and highlight risk factors, including excessive alcohol use and smoking.
Dr. Vakamocea noted the government’s commitment to expanding screening services to ensure early detection of diabetes within the population. Public awareness and educational campaigns, including VegFest and community dialogues, are designed to advocate for healthier eating habits and increased physical activity, countering misleading information often seen in the media.
These initiatives reflect a substantial dedication to tackling the diabetes crisis in Fiji, instilling hope that with heightened awareness and proactive measures, the nation can effectively address the growing prevalence of this chronic disease.