A comparative study of diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and obesity was undertaken in samples of rural Wallisians of Wallis Island and first generation Wallisian migrants in the urban centre of Noumea, New Caledonia. Approximately 20?25% of the adult population of the 2 communities was included in the study.

Wallisians in Noumea tended to be more obese than those in Wallis (particularly females). The prevalence of diabetes was 7 and 4 times higher in Noumea compared to Wallis for males and females respectively. Differences in the extent of obesity appeared to account for some of the difference in prevalence of diabetes, but other environmental factors (such as constituents of the diet, and exercise) must be operative as well.

The results of this study are consistent with previous findings concerning environmental determinants of diabetes in Pacific populations.