PACIFIC ISLANDS HAVE HIGHEST PREVALENCE FOR DIABETES IN THE WORLD

DIABETES DECLARATION AGREED

By Guy Barnett
Thursday, 29 November 2012

“The Pacific Islands have the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world, said Mr Guy Barnett, Ambassador for Diabetes Australia on his return from the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress* in Kyoto, Japan.

“Kiribati has 25.7% of its adult population with diabetes, Marshall Islands with 22% and Nauru with 21%. The Western Pacific region makes up 36% of the 372 million people with diabetes in the world today. Sadly it also has the highest number of deaths of any region in the world.

“One ‘bring it home statistic’ was the 300 amputations of feet and legs due to diabetes in Fiji each year. We now have dedicated foot care projects in the region with more than ten hospitals accredited to deal with this troublesome complication of diabetes. There are so many simple things we can do to thwart this global epidemic and Australia can play a key role in helping out in our region through our overseas aid program and in other ways.

“The Western Pacific Regional Council signed a ‘Diabetes Declaration’ and agreed on a 5 year plan. A key focus of the plan will be foot care, eye care, advocacy, and capacity building.

“It was an honour to represent Australia on the Regional Council and speak at the conference,” he concluded.

*Congress details can be found at http://www2.convention.co.jp/idfwpr2012/
Guy Barnett