Diabetes rates rise globally: Four out of 10 people in Fiji suffer from the condition

December 31, 2009

A study conducted by the Fred Hollows Foundation of New Zealand has found that four out of 10 people in Fiji suffer from diabetes, according to the FijiTimes.com. Experts were surprised to find that such a high percentage of the population was living with the condition.

Many of the patients suffered severe side-effects and were faced with blindness or the amputation of limbs.

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 24 million children and adults in the U.S. suffer from diabetes and another 57 million Americans are at risk for developing the condition.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) has reported that diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes-related eye health condition, causes progressive damage to the retina and can ultimately lead to vision loss.

According to the AOA, symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include difficulty seeing well at night, blurred sight and seeing spots or floaters in your field of vision.

Aside from exercising and eating a diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables, individuals should visit their eye care professional on a regular basis for frequent vision screening and eye health exams.