HEALTH. 6 worrying figures to remember about diabetes in New Caledonia

Diabetes is progressing at an alarming rate in New Caledonia. It now affects more than 10% of adults, and disproportionately affects women. Multiplied by five in less than three decades, this public health scourge remains underdiagnosed and leaves a large part of the population at risk. Focus on six figures which illustrate the scale of this crisis and the urgency of a collective response.

1The number of diabetics has increased fivefold in less than 30 years

The data from Cafat and the Agency for the Fight against Diseases (ALM) are clear: in less than 30 years, the number of people with diabetes in New Caledonia has quintupled. Diabetes is today the leading cause of long-term illness in the territory. This explosion of cases is linked to profound changes in lifestyle and diet, exacerbated by late treatment of the disease.

2More than 10% of adults are affected

According to the latest Adult Health Barometer, diabetes affects 10.8% of adults aged 18 to 65, compared to 8.9% in 1993. This significant increase in three decades shows that diabetes is now widespread among the working population. The disease affects more and more young adults, which accentuates its impact on the health system.

3Nearly 17% of the adult population has prediabetes

The threat does not stop with diagnosed cases. Nearly 17% of New Caledonian adults are at high risk of developing the disease, being at the prediabetes stage. This figure highlights the importance of active prevention to avoid progression to full-blown diabetes. Awareness and screening programs must be increased to limit this worrying trend.

418% of diabetics are unaware of their condition

Diabetes is often a silent disease, and in New Caledonia, 18% of adults with diabetes do not even know they are sick. Although this rate has fallen significantly since 1993 (75% at the time), it remains worrying. Without regular screening, many Caledonians continue to ignore their condition, increasing the risk of serious complications.

5Women pay a heavy price

Data shows that women are more affected than men by diabetes. Nearly 14% of women have diabetes, compared to only 8% of men. This disparity calls out to specialists, who point to differences in lifestyle and access to care, as well as hormonal factors potentially involved.

6Increasingly early obesity

Obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes, affects a growing proportion of the New Caledonian population. According to data, one in three children is overweight by the age of 6, a figure that increases with age to reach critical levels in adulthood. This alarming trend highlights the importance of preventive care from an early age to combat the progression of diabetes.

New Caledonia is facing a real diabetes epidemic. These figures reveal the urgent need to act to stop the progression of the disease, particularly through prevention and screening. Authorities and health professionals are now called upon to intensify their efforts to raise awareness among the population and prevent this public health crisis.