A nurse pictured in a photograph on Page 1 of yesterday's newspaper was Wanda Simons, the Bermuda Diabetes Prevention Programme coordinator, and not Harriet Kenien, as stated.

A programme of corporate diabetes screening began yesterday with hopes it will lead to mass testing for a disease which now affects one in eight people in Bermuda.

A publicity campaign over the next two months will plug the dangers of the disease which can be a killer if left untreated.

Bermuda Diabetes Association Secretary Barbara Willis said: "Diabetes is a global epidemic sweeping the western world.

"Type Two Diabetes usually strikes after 40, but new data shows a dramatic rise among people in their 30s.

"Twenty years ago it would have been unheard of to find teenagers affected by the disease that had been afflicting the elderly population.

"But today children are now being diagnosed with Type Two diabetes making the term adult onset diabetes obsolete.

"Diabetes is not only devastating to the individual, but it is a financial burden to the community.

Diabetes screening campaign gets started "Everyone of us must be encouraged to become more active and eat healthier to avoid not only diabetes, but also heart disease and strokes.

"One in eight people in Bermuda has diabetes -- this is significantly in excess of US and worldwide averages.

"We are looking at the possibility of a having a general public screening and we are tentatively looking at having this on denim day on November 24 and hopefully the Corporation of Hamilton will be able to do it at City Hall.'' Five companies are hosting the testing which takes just a few seconds and will be offered over the next seven weeks.

But more companies are encouraged to join the programme run by the Bermuda Diabetes Association with the help of 100 volunteers from the Lions and Lioness Clubs of Bermuda.

Lions chairman Jim Leitch said: "It is staggering to think that some 8,000 people in Bermuda, or one person in eight, have type two diabetes.

"I think we would all agree that this average, which is significantly in excess of US and worldwide averages, is unacceptably high.

"The purpose of our campaign is to heighten awareness and to encourage the public to take diabetes seriously.'' The test shows blood sugar, blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Those who show worrying signs are advised to see a doctor. After that stage they may then be offered dietary counselling, exercise and in some cases medicine.

Ms. Willis said: "There's a week's course at the hospital available through your doctor showing how people should take care of themselves once they have been diagnosed.'' Companies wishing to participate in the corporate screening programme should call Rachel Blakeney, who is chairperson of the diabetes awareness programme, on 295-1944.

WHAT IS DIABETES? Type one diabetes is a disease of the pancreas which has stopped creating insulin which is needed to break down food. It can occur at any age but usually shows up in the younger child or teenager and can be treated with insulin.

Type two diabetes is a genetic disease but chances of avoiding are increased by those who exercise and eat healthily. Sufferers become resistant to their own insulin so sugar cannot get into cells and remains in the blood.

One third of all new cases of kidney disease requiring dialysis is due to diabetes. Diabetes is a major risk factor in heart disease, strokes, and hypertension.