Youngest Type 1 Diabetic Is Two Years Old
Type 1 diabetes is genetic, says expert
Fiji’s youngest person currently living with a type 1 diabetes is a two-year-old male in Suva. This was confirmed by Marawa Kini, programme co-ordinator at Diabetes Fiji during the World Diabetes Day celebration at Vunivau, Labasa, on Monday.
According to statistics gathered by Diabetes Fiji, approximately 500 people with type 1 diabetes have been registered with the foundation from 2014 to 2018.
Lalesh Kumar, a nurse practitioner at the diabetic hub in Labasa said type 1 diabetes was generally genetic.
“People are mostly born with it, however type two diabetes is all about one’s lifestyle,” said Mr Kumar.
He is urging parents to get their children tested. “Many at times, people are unaware of Type 1 diabetes and the only time they realise it is when the health gets really critical,” he said. Mr Kumar said a proper lifestyle was imperative for people to stay away from the illness.
“We are also urging everyone in the different communities to switch to a proper diet and do regular exercises,” he said.
Staff nurse Luseini Ana said family intervention was critical. “We do not want diabetic patients to be left alone because it will have a very bad effect on them,” said Ms Ana.
She said the psychological damage could result in depression and isolation.
“Please take care of your loved ones if they are suffering from this disease,” she said.
The celebration on Monday was marked with physical and practical activities aimed at boosting ones health.
Mareta Vukiwai, 37, was glad to be a part of the celebrations.
“It is our role as a community to be mindful of the problem and that we should start taking steps towards a healthy life,” she said. Similar programmes are scheduled for Labasa later this week.
Diabetes Fiji is a registered charitable organisation in Fiji, which started in 2012. One of the main aims is to create awareness among care givers, relatives, friends and community to provide needed support for people with diabetes. Edited by Naisa Koroi