Recent national data from the Fiji 2025 STEPS Survey highlights a concerning trend: diabetes is increasingly affecting younger Fijians. According to Dr. Devina Nand, the Head of Wellness at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the survey found that 4.7 percent of individuals aged 18 to 29 are now living with diabetes, marking a significant shift in the demographic profile of this serious condition.
Historically regarded as a disease primarily affecting older adults, diabetes is now manifesting in younger populations. The overall prevalence of diabetes in Fiji has risen to 16.5 percent from the 14.6 percent recorded in the 2011 STEPS Survey. The average age of diagnosis has now settled at 47.6 years, indicating that the condition is increasingly present within the country’s working-age population. Among older adults aged 60 to 69, the prevalence of diabetes has surged to 36.5 percent.
The survey reveals that women represent 53.7 percent of the diabetic population, attributed to various risk factors, particularly overweight and obesity. Geographic disparities in the prevalence of diabetes were evident, with the Western Division reporting the highest rate at 18.2 percent, followed closely by the Central Division at 16.9 percent.
Dr. Nand mentioned that recent updates to Fiji’s diabetes guidelines now set fasting blood sugar levels below 5.6 millimoles per litre as normal, while levels from 5.6 to 6.9 indicate pre-diabetes, and anything above 7 is classified as diabetes. The survey also highlighted significant gaps in awareness and management of diabetes, particularly among younger individuals. Alarmingly, just about 5 percent of young respondents were aware of their diabetes status, and only 33 percent were receiving medication.
While there have been advancements in treatment coverage, Dr. Nand emphasized the need for improved adherence to treatment and management protocols. The data strongly advocates for early screening, lifestyle modifications, and preventive measures, especially targeted at younger adults, to combat the rising diabetes burden in Fiji.
In light of these findings, there is a hopeful call to action for increased health education and intervention strategies that can prevent the escalation of diabetes in younger demographics, ultimately aiming for a healthier future for the nation.
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