DIABETES is crippling the health system, according to Hope Centre chairman Sanjit Patel.
He said the disease was overwhelming hospitals and draining resources.
“When a person gets diabetes, the care that is required and the amount of money that is spent is a huge challenge,” he said.
To add to this challenge, Mr Patel said more people were undergoing amputations because their condition was diagnosed too late.
“Four amputations are performed every day at the main hospital in Suva.
“Once a person gets amputated, their life changes. They will be stuck at home, and they will need somebody to push them around.”
Mr Patel said the problem had gotten out of hand.
“There are two types of amputations. There are above-knee and below-knee. Below is $650, and above costs around $1200.”
Northern divisional medical officer Tiko Saumalua said the burden of non-communicable diseases was being felt across all divisions.
“There’s no difference here in the North, it’s the same as in other divisions,” he said.
Dr Saumalua said surgeons in Labasa, Savusavu and other centres deal with diabetes complications every day, with amputations taking up a significant time in operating theatres.
“These conditions take up a lot of their time, whether it’s the loss of a small toe, a below-knee amputation or an above-knee amputation.
“The rate continues to increase.”
Dr Saumalua said the Health Ministry was continuing its push for healthier lifestyles as a way of reducing the growing number of amputations and diabetes cases.
Chute: Take diabetes warnings seriously
A RETIRED civil servant is calling on the public to take warnings about diabetes seriously.
Vincent Chute, who lost his leg in an amputation due to diabetes last year, is urging people to act early and take care of their health.
“I lost my leg in June last year due to diabetes,” he said.
“Since then, my life has changed.”
Mr Chute said the loss of his leg affected him deeply, both emotionally and financially.
“It was very difficult. I was supporting my family, and when I lost my leg, I didn’t know what to do.”
At times, he said, he wanted to throw in the towel. “With the support of my family and relatives, we managed to get through it,” he said.
Now, with his new prosthetic limb, Mr Chute is determined to continue living a full life.
“With this new limb and hope, I know I will continue to survive.”
His message to the public is to have a proper diet and take heed of the sugar intake.
“Please, when there is a warning about diabetes, take it seriously. Eat the right foods, and you will continue to survive. Do not lose hope.”
He said his story was a powerful reminder of the impact diabetes could have on lives and the importance of early care and family support.
