DIABETES and obesity are two of the main health issues that arose during a two-week medical clinic conducted by the Coral Coast Rehabilitation medical team in the Korolevuiwai region of Sigatoka.

Australian occupational therapist and CCR co-ordinator Dr Shane McSweeny said many of the about 500 people examined suffered from a non-communicable disease.

“Because of that, we saw a lot of people suffered from strokes, heart attacks and diabetes,” he said.

“And that is due to the kind of diet that they are accustomed to like fatty foods which is something that we also hope to change for the people of Korolevuiwai.”

Dr McSweeny said mismanagement by diabetics was also prevalent.

“Many of them did not look after themselves properly leading to their legs being amputated.

“Back in Australia, these are things that could be managed with proper advice so we hope that after these clinics people would be more aware and be more careful of their health.”

Rehabilitation physician Dr Marina Demitrios said many of the diabetics had foot ulcers which were not addressed properly.

“I understand that access and the health costs are an issue for some but there are things they could do to ensure they manage their diabetes,” she said.

“That is through the monitoring of diets, taking extra care of their feet like there’s no wounds or cuts and to keep them clean.”

“These are very simple steps that people living in villages could take especially those that are suffering from diabetes.”