Title:Type 2 Diabetes Prevalence, Control and Management within Fiji,
Kiribati, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu: A Scoping
Review with a Systematic Approach
Volume: 20
Issue: 10
Author(s): Timothy Kuek*
Affiliation:
- Interplast Australia and New Zealand, 250/290 Spring St, East Melbourne VIC, 3002, Australia
Keywords:
Pacific islands, diabetes, Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon islands, Tonga, Vanuatu.
Abstract:
Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) causes significant morbidity and is disproportionately
prevalent in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). The socio-political demographics of PICs
are rapidly changing, and health services must adapt to match the needs of their population.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to review the literature published within the last 15
years relating to T2D prevalence, control, and management, with a specific focus on targetable
areas for future funding and research projects.
Methods: This review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: discussion
on T2D in the six PICs. Results were limited to those published between 1st January,
2006, and 27th July, 2023.
Results: A total of 6,640 publications were retrieved, and 110 met the inclusion criteria. Nineteen
additional studies were identified through hand-searching. T2D prevalence differed between
countries but was predicted to increase in the coming decades, with projections of up to 31.2%
by 2030 in Tonga. Factors associated with T2D varied between countries, including Indian-Fijian
ethnicity in Fiji and tuberculosis in Kiribati. Control was generally poor, with high rates of undiagnosed
diabetes and microvascular complications. Epidemiological data was limited in some
cases, as was information describing the structure and function of diabetes services.
Conclusion: The prevalence, control, and management of T2D varied between Fiji, Kiribati,
Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. Significant gaps remain in the data describing
these domains; however, there are clearly targetable areas for future research and diabetes management
programs.