The silent killer in Fiji, Non-Communicable Disease: Diabetes

Published on Fiji Times by ARIETA VAKASUKAWAQA, 26 January, 2022, 9:36 am.

After losing his parents and three siblings to non-communicable illnesses, former police officer Jone Nuku Marau is live proof of a silent murderer in our midst (NCDs). Mr Marau, 57, and his brother Rupeni Temo, 66, are the only living members of his family who have lost their legs to diabetes. Mr Marau explained that the norm used to be drinking grog with pals after work until 4 a.m. and sleeping on an empty stomach. "Eating junk food during grog sessions was another factor that led to my illness." That was the standard; it's known as chaser." "Our three brothers, including one of our nephews who was also afflicted with diabetes, died of NCDs," Mr Temo added.

"Please get medical tests every month since, in my situation, I didn't realize I had diabetes until I had a hurting leg and went to the doctor." The illness had spread all over my legs by that point."

Lost limbs – More iTaukei men losing legs to diabetes Source: Fiji Times

Mr Marau, who had a 20-year career, had both of his legs amputated after being diagnosed with diabetes.

In 2014, he was admitted to the hospital with numb legs and was diagnosed with diabetes.
"I didn't care about my health; I ate poor foods, smoked heavily, and drank a lot of kava and beer," he said.
"The standard used to be that after work, you'd drink grog with buddies until 4 a.m. and then go to bed on an empty stomach."
"Eating junk food during grog sessions was another factor that led to my illness." That was the standard; it was known as chaser."
His health deteriorated in 2019, resulting in his leg being amputated, and he lost the second leg just two weeks ago.
"My situation is deteriorating; I also have renal difficulties, heart disease, and liver concerns." Now that I'm in a wheelchair, I need someone to help me get around the home, go to the bathroom, and so on.
"I am unable to work in order to maintain my three children and wife." We don't have a way to make money. When I resigned from the Fiji Police Force in 2021, I only had one leg and relied on crutches to go about.

Rupeni Temo, 66, had his legs amputated after being diagnosed with diabetes in 2016. He is being cared for by his niece. The two males are the only survivors of the five siblings.

"Our parents and three brothers died of NCDs, as did one of our nephews, who was also afflicted with diabetes," Mr Temo explained.

"One of our brothers, who died at the age of 48, was admitted to the hospital 27 times as his condition deteriorated."

Mr Marau, who was overcome with emotion, exhorted all Fijians to "check what you eat and keep a healthy lifestyle."

Source: fijitimes.com