Dr. Devina Nand, Head of Wellness at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, has raised concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the alarming trend of lower limb amputations in Fiji. She emphasized the need for a collective pause to address this pressing health issue.
Dr. Nand shared findings from two significant studies examining the implications of diabetes on limb health. The first study revealed that between 2010 and 2012, there were 938 amputations linked to diabetes. The second study, which focused on the first-time amputations from 2012 to 2015, showed that approximately 648 patients underwent their initial amputation due to diabetes-related complications.
“This situation is particularly concerning for Fiji,” Dr. Nand stated, highlighting the significant number of individuals facing disabilities as a result of diabetes. She remarked that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly 80 percent of all deaths in Fiji, with 30 to 40 percent of these being premature fatalities, including those caused by diabetes.
The age demographics of those impacted are equally troubling, with amputations occurring in patients as young as 30 up to 91 years old. Many of these individuals are in their productive years, contributing to a cycle of loss within the community.
Dr. Nand stressed the importance of re-evaluating dietary and lifestyle choices, noting that every food item consumed carries potential side effects, which, if unmanaged, can lead to severe health consequences.
This call to action serves as a reminder of the critical importance of preventative measures and lifestyle modifications in combating the rising tide of diabetes and its associated complications. By emphasizing the need for awareness and better health choices, there is hope that the community can work towards reducing these statistics and improving overall health outcomes in Fiji.
In summary, Dr. Nand’s insights highlight the urgent need for a national dialogue on diabetes prevention and management, as well as the importance of promoting healthier lifestyles among Fijians to avert further health crises.
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