A 17-year-old from Fiji, Nathan Cokanauto, is advocating for enhanced support for children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a condition he has lived with since being diagnosed at the age of 13 during the COVID-19 pandemic. His experience began with a serious collapse that led to a misdiagnosis before doctors finally identified diabetes.
Nathan shared, “I was in ICU when they found out. I didn’t even know what diabetes was. At 13, we just think it’s for adults.” Now, he manages his own insulin injections daily, expressing how missing a dose affects his well-being. “If I miss a dose, I feel tired. I lose focus… You start thinking dark thoughts,” he revealed, indicating the mental and physical toll of the illness.
For four years, Nathan concealed his condition from friends, fearing stigma. When he ultimately disclosed his diabetes, he felt it was essential to educate others that it is not solely an adult condition. Through his narrative, he emphasizes the importance of self-management, stating, “It comes from me. I have to look after my own food, my own routine. I’m independent now.”
Financial challenges also loom, as Nathan’s family struggles to afford the necessary medical supplies, with insulin test strips costing $40 and lasting just two weeks. Despite these hurdles, he acknowledges support from Diabetes Fiji and has called for parents to allow mobile screening teams to evaluate their children for diabetes, stressing that some may be unaware of their health status. “You never know if your child is sick. Some parents think their kids are healthy, but inside you don’t know what’s going on,” Nathan urged.
In addition to his struggle, Nathan shared a personal moment of despair, saying, “My faith saved me. I realized this isn’t the end. It’s just a new start. You have to be thankful every day that you’re still breathing, still walking.” He now uses his story to inspire peers facing similar challenges, conveying a message of resilience: “To the kids out there going through the same thing, this is not the end of the world. You can still live your life. Just adjust and be strong.”
Kini Marawa, CEO of Diabetes Fiji, echoed Nathan’s sentiments, urging government leaders to strengthen public health investments and early intervention programs. “We understand the need for roads and housing, but we must also accept that good health is the heart of development,” Marawa stated, underlining the importance of robust support systems for young individuals like Nathan.
This narrative reflects a growing awareness of the challenges faced by young diabetics in Fiji, driven by Nathan’s courageous advocacy and the support from organizations like Diabetes Fiji. There is hope as community involvement and awareness initiatives pave the way for healthier futures for children living with diabetes, fostering resilience and strength in their journeys.
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