16% of Adults are Pre-diabetic Officials Warn at New Centre Launch

One in five Mauritians aged between 25 and 74 is now living with diabetes, according to alarming new health figures released alongside the opening of a major specialist medical facility. The data further reveals that 16% of the adult population is currently pre-diabetic.

Health officials warned on Thursday, 22 January, that these individuals are on the “critical threshold” of developing the chronic condition, which carries a high risk of life-altering complications.

A New Integrated Approach

In response to what is being described as a “health emergency,” the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, inaugurated the new Diabetes and Vascular Centre at Dr AG Jeetoo Hospital on Thursday.

The facility introduces a “one-stop shop” model designed to fix a previously fragmented care system. By coordinating treatments under one roof, the government aims to:

• Improve patient quality of life through streamlined appointments.
• Reduce the massive financial burden on the State caused by long-term treatments.
• Prevent emergency hospitalisations through personalised follow-up care.

Combatting “Vital” Challenges

Dr Tanooja Hemoo, Regional Health Director, emphasised that early detection has moved from being an option to a “vital necessity.”

The centre’s primary mission will be intensive screening to catch the 16% of pre-diabetics before their condition worsens.

Additionally, the centre will provide integrated treatment for vascular diseases—the primary cause of diabetes-related heart problems and amputations.

National Expansion Plans

The Port Louis facility marks the beginning of a broader strategic rollout. Internal Transport Minister, Mr Osman Mahomed, who attended the opening, noted the significance of the integrated approach for the country’s healthcare economy.

Under the 2025–2026 Budget, the government has committed to establishing five such specialised centres across the nation to tackle the prevalence of the disease.

Source: Le Mauricien