Hospital Board to offer free diabetes tests
THE Bermuda Hospitals Board is to offer free diabetes tests in a bid to increase public awareness about the killer disease.
November is World Diabetes Month and the theme of this year's campaign is foot care. Christine Johnson, a nurse educator at the Diabetes Centre, said: "With increasing numbers of patients being diagnosed with diabetes each year, we want to get the message out that complications from foot problems are among the most serious.
"Sadly, younger people in Bermuda are now being diagnosed with diabetes and as a result we are even seeing young people with amputations."
According to latest statistics, 13 per cent of Bermuda's population are affected by diabetes. Last year 165 patients were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
A BHB spokesman said: "World-wide, it is estimated that an amputation reduction rate of over 50 per cent could be realised with better education. The Diabetes Centre will be informing the public about prevention, care and treatment options during its week-long screening."
Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be held in the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital lobby between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for four days from November 7. A podiatrist will also be available during the screenings to answer questions and provide education about the importance of foot care.