Raising awareness on diabetes

MORE than 260 nurses and 210 doctors have been trained in the rehabilitation of amputees thanks to work carried out by Diabetes Fiji Incorporated (DFI).

Along with that, 105 health care facilities have been provided foot care services, 28 peer groups had been established and 15 foot care clinics set up under DFI’s Foot Care Program in partnership with the Health Ministry. In a press statement issued to mark World Diabetes Day, DFI said ongoing work was being done to raise awareness on the impact diabetes has on families and support network of those affected.

DFI said it was also promoting the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes.

“A lack of knowledge about diabetes means that spotting the warning signs is not just a problem for parents but is an issue impacting a cross-section of society,” said DFI in the statement.

“This is a major concern, due to the signs being milder in type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form of the condition responsible for around 90 per cent of all diabetes.

“One in two people currently living with diabetes are undiagnosed.

“The vast majority of these have type 2 diabetes. Left untreated or unmanaged, diabetes can lead to life-changing complications.

“These include blindness, amputation, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.”

This month DFI is hosting its annual “Blue Breakfast” to commemorate World Diabetes Day, an initiative supported by the University of the South Pacific. To mark the day and show our strong commitment to continuing the effort to reduce statistics around type 2 diabetes, DFI will also launch a Strategic Plan 2020 — 2030.

This strategic plan is a reflection of the attention and resources required in the area of diabetes and will also outline the scope of work DFI is ardent to undertake.

“The plan is the all-encompassing document that will provide overall strategic direction for managing diabetes in Fiji over the next decade. This DFSP presents a reviewed vision, mission, and values of Diabetes Fiji Inc which cascades from the values of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Our vision of “Diabetes in better hands” is underscored by our mission “To steer Fiji’s national solidarity in combating diabetes”.”

Diabetes Fiji Incorporated has been serving the communities of Fiji since July 2012. DFI currently has two programs in operation, the Foot Care Program and the Community Outreach Program that has fostered and now works closely with Young Diabetics Foundation.

A lack of knowledge about diabetes means that spotting the warning signs is not just a problem for parents but is an issue impacting a cross-section of society Diabetes Fiji Incorporated