‘Diabetes is stalking our youth’

Diabetes is no longer a disease of the elderly. It is striking Fijian youth, and the nation must take urgent action.

Diabetes Fiji executive director Kini Marawa has warned that the growing epidemic is now a “whole-of-society” challenge, affecting families, workplaces, and communities.

“Diabetes is a predator among our youth. This is not just a Ministry of Health burden, it’s a responsibility for all of us,” Mr Marawa said.

The warning follows the release of the Fiji STEPS Survey 2025, which revealed that nearly 30 per cent of Fijians live with diabetes.

Alarmingly, 4.7 per cent of young adults aged 18 to 29 now have the condition.

Only five per cent of these young people were previously aware of their condition prior to the survey.

Experts link the early onset of diabetes to Fiji’s obesogenic environment, driven by high sugar and salt intake, ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and late-night screen use.

Traditional Fijian diets rich in nutrients are increasingly being replaced by convenience foods.

Diabetes Fiji is calling for targeted screenings at universities and workplaces, along with the introduction of a “Campus and Workplace Wellness Certification” programme.

Youth peer networks and digital health ambassadors will promote healthy habits and normalise self-care.

The health system is under pressure. Up to 80 per cent of surgical lists at CWM Hospital are diabetes-related.

Shortages of specialised staff continue to disrupt care, and more than half of those with diabetes remain undiagnosed. Only 6.2 per cent of patients currently have their blood glucose under control, with cultural beliefs, reliance on herbal remedies, medication stock-outs, and poor patient-provider communication cited as barriers.

Diabetes Fiji supports 80 newly registered young patients through peer-led programs, providing psychosocial support, counselling, essential consumables, and guidance on daily diabetes management.

Specialised foot-care clinics are being expanded to prevent amputations, which currently occur every 12.5 hours in Fiji.

Mr Marawa has urged the government to prioritise prevention over costly tertiary care.

“Mandatory school screenings, stronger sugar taxation, community wellness hubs, and urban planning that encourages activity are critical,” he said.

He called on corporate and community partners to take an active role.

“Our children’s future is not a budget line; it is our legacy,” he said.

“You are not a statistic. Together, we can turn the tide. Let us choose life, action, and a healthier Fiji,” he added.