Diabetes Fiji Inc. has called for a nationwide effort to confront and eliminate the stigma associated with diabetes, a significant yet often overlooked challenge that many individuals with the condition endure. The organization highlights that stigma is particularly harmful for young people with Type 1 Diabetes, who frequently bear emotional wounds from judgment and misconceptions.
Project Manager Kini Marawa emphasizes that countless young Fijians carry memories of hurtful comments rather than words of encouragement. Many recall being scrutinized while checking their glucose levels or enduring remarks that wrongfully assign blame for their condition. Such experiences can lead to feelings of silence, shame, and fear.
The root of stigma is often ignorance, as many continue to mistakenly associate Type 1 Diabetes with excessive sugar consumption, despite it being an uncontrollable medical condition. Mr. Marawa recounted the story of a young woman who concealed her diabetes throughout her childhood due to the fear of being judged. This fear ultimately caused her to neglect her health, a fate that befalls many others across Fiji.
The repercussions of stigma are profound. Individuals who feel judged about managing their diabetes may skip testing their glucose, miss clinic appointments, or hesitate to administer insulin in public, which can detrimentally affect their mental health while increasing feelings of isolation and creating barriers to necessary care.
Through its Young Diabetes Fiji program, the organization is striving to alter community attitudes toward diabetes. This initiative emphasizes peer support, youth leadership, mental health awareness, family involvement, and increased education in schools, villages, settlements, churches, and workplaces. The aim is to cultivate an environment where young people are met with support rather than judgment.
Diabetes Fiji Inc. invites individuals of all ages living with diabetes to take advantage of its services, which are accessible through the organization’s headquarters, community screenings, social media platforms, youth programs, and peer networks.
The organization urges the public to share their experiences and engage in a national dialogue about stigma. By fostering open communication, they aspire to build a more understanding and supportive society.
Together, Diabetes Fiji Inc. believes that the nation can break the silence surrounding diabetes and eradicate stigma for good, paving the way for a healthier and more inclusive future.