A recent survey conducted by STEPS 2025 has revealed alarming statistics regarding diabetes awareness in Fiji, with approximately 50% of respondents unaware that they are living with the disease. Kini Marawa, the executive director of Diabetes Fiji, stated that only 46.5% of individuals diagnosed with diabetes recognized their condition prior to the survey, indicating that over half of those affected are unknowingly at risk.
The survey highlighted an especially concerning trend among younger populations: a mere 5% of young respondents were aware they had diabetes. Marawa described these findings as unacceptable and emphasized the urgent need for interventions to prevent long-term health complications among young Fijians.
He stressed the importance of normalizing early screening for diabetes, rather than allowing it to be stigmatized. As a proactive response to these troubling statistics, Marawa suggested that the health ministry develop a wellness certification program for campuses and workplaces. He is advocating for mandatory, non-invasive health screenings to be conducted during university orientation and within the first month of employment at new corporate jobs.
To enhance awareness among youth, Marawa proposed leveraging social media influencers and youth organizations, like Young Diabetes Fiji, to make blood glucose monitoring both a fun and empowering practice. He urged the community to view blood glucose monitoring not as a medical task but as an act of self-love and maintenance of personal health.
Currently, Diabetes Fiji is offering holistic support to 80 newly registered young individuals diagnosed with diabetes. The organization is shifting from purely clinical interactions to peer-led empowerment models, creating support groups where members—referred to as “80 warriors”—can share their experiences and combat the isolation that often hinders effective treatment adherence. Marawa noted that a diabetes diagnosis at age 20 poses not only physical challenges but also significant mental health hurdles.
Without immediate action to expand screening and raise awareness, Marawa warns that many more young Fijians are likely to continue living with undiagnosed diabetes, underscoring the importance of these initiatives in protecting the health of the nation’s youth. This proactive approach could lead to better health outcomes and foster a supportive community for those affected.
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