A report compiled by the Health Research Foundation in New Zealand has revealed that Fiji is rated amongst one of the countries in the world with the highest diabetes rate.

The Fred Hollows Foundation, which deals with eye care as a result of diabetes, carried out a survey earlier this year in a total of 34 communities and revealed that 4 out of every 10 people in the country suffers from diabetes.

Doctor-in-charge, Doctor Tom Schaefer said that the survey found out that 40 percent of people in Fiji, who are over the age of 40 years, suffer from diabetes.

Their survey also showed that a third of the people surveyed were not even aware that they had diabetes.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor Salanieta Saketa said that she understands that Fred Hollows deals with diabetes and its complications, but it is unjust to compare the prevalence rate with diabetes complications.