Review diabetes care

FIJI cannot afford to remain satisfied with outdated diabetes treatment options while patients continue to face the growing burden of the disease, Diabetes Fiji executive director Marawa Kini warns.

Mr Kini has called for a national review of diabetes treatment, medicines and medical technologies, saying Fiji must examine whether its healthcare system is keeping pace with advances in diabetes management internationally.

He said modern diabetes care increasingly included continuous glucose monitoring systems, insulin pens, insulin pumps and newer medicines that could improve outcomes for appropriately selected patients.

“The world of diabetes care is changing rapidly,” Mr Kini said.

“Continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pens, insulin pumps and newer evidence-based medicines are increasingly transforming outcomes internationally.

“Fiji cannot remain permanently satisfied with yesterday’s solutions while the burden of diabetes continues to evolve.

“We must examine what is clinically appropriate, affordable and achievable for our people and begin planning for tomorrow.”

He called for a structured national review involving the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, clinicians, pharmacists, people living with diabetes, academic institutions and development partners.

The review should examine access to insulin syringes and pen needles, the feasibility of insulin pens for priority groups, continuous glucose monitoring for children with Type 1 diabetes, and the future role of insulin pumps.

Mr Kini said it should also consider updated medicines for Type 2 diabetes, equitable access for rural and maritime communities, and sustainable funding and procurement arrangements.

He said modernising diabetes care was not simply about introducing new technology, but ensuring patients received appropriate treatment and reducing complications.

The organisation said improved diabetes management could help prevent blindness, kidney disease, heart disease and amputations, while enabling young people to attend school, pursue education and build careers.

Diabetes Fiji stressed that any new medicine and technology should be assessed for clinical suitability, affordability and sustainability before being introduced into the public health system.

Mr Kini urged the Government to work with patients, healthcare professionals and development partners to develop a more responsive national approach to diabetes care.