Type 2 diabetes rates are at epidemic proportions in American Samoa Photo: AFP
Leaders in the region have pledged to do more to beat the Pacific's leading killer at a gathering in Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa.
The first summit addressing the Non-Communicable Diseases crisis wrapped up on Wednesday with a day focussed on diabetes.
17 key statements have been addressed in an outcomes document from the summit.
These include a Pacific wide commitment for laws to meet the Convention on Tobacco Control taxation targets to help achieve a Tobacco Free Pacific by 2025.
Leaders also agreed to try to improve funding mechanisms to cope with the NCD crisis.
The World Bank had outlined to the summit the ongoing economic impact of NCDs and it raised concerns over the long term sustainability of public health spending in the region.
