The fight against diabetes received a $10,000 boost Thursday from the Bank of Bermuda Charitable Trust.

The cash will go towards research to improve understanding of the disease.

Bermuda Diabetes Association president Mr. George Smith, who received the cheque, highlighted the importance of the epidemiology study.

"The incidence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions both worldwide and in Bermuda.

"Complications associated with diabetes, such as kidney disease, blindness, heart disease, strokes and amputations are devastating. Particularly since they are preventable.'' He added: "We need to better understand the degree to which diabetes affects the community and also those areas in which intervention would make the biggest impact.'' The cheque was handed over to Mr. Smith by Bank of Bermuda Executive Vice President Mr. Barry Shailer.

Also present at yesterday's ceremony at the bank's Front Street head office was secretary of the Bermuda Diabetes Association Mrs. Barbara Willis.

Mr. Smith praised the Bank of Bermuda for being good "corporate citizens''.

He pointed out non-insulin dependent diabetes was the most common type of the disease.

Previously confined to people in the 40-50 age group, an alarming number of 20- to 30-year-olds were contracting diabetes, he said.

Unless major changes were made, that age group was at significant risk of heart disease and stroke.

Mr. Shailer also emphasised the need for research.

"Since many people are not even aware of the risk or what they can do to help prevent the disease, we think that the epidemiology study will be of tremendous assistance to the community. We're proud to be a part of this project.'' BUMPER BOOST -- Bermuda Diabetes Association president Mr. George Smith (left) and secretary Mrs. Barbara Willis receive the $10,000 cheque from Bank of Bermuda Executive Vice President Mr. Barry Shailer.