The amputation rate in Fiji is 1 in every 8 hours now instead of 1 in every 12.5 hours.
This was highlighted by the Assistant Minister for Health, Alex O’Connor at the World Diabetes Day at Nabukaluka District School in Waidina, Naitasiri.
He says the complications relating to diabetes have also increased.
O’Connor says the national STEPS survey in 2002 showed the diabetes rate had increased to 16% and by 2011, we had a rate of about 30%.
He says according to the study carried by our doctors at the Pacific Eye Institute in Suva in 2011, diabetic eye complications was worse amongst those unaware that they had diabetes as opposed to those who have been confirmed with diabetes.
O’Connor says any effort to tackle diabetes must include a change in lifestyle and behaviour.
He says they need to create Waidina Policies on stress management, tobacco, glue, marijuana, eating and drinking Waidina foods, exercising, resting and reproducing.
O’Connor says that he strongly believes that there should be no diabetes in Waidina as they have the land, great food and the Waidina River.
He told the people to feed the family first and then bring the rest of Waidina produce to Suva.
