Residents at risk of heart conditions, who are also suffering from diabetes, are being urged to take part in a new international study called the ?ORIGIN Trial?.

The ORIGIN Trial (Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine INtervention) will examine the possibility of preventing future cardiovascular disease with insulin glargine injections and omega-3 fatty acids.

In Bermuda, the study will be conducted by the Diabetic Centre in conjunction with the Cardiac Care Unit at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH). Twenty-two countries will take part in the trial, involving more than 190 medical centres world-wide.

According to an ORIGIN pamphlet, approximately one in 20 adults in the world currently have diagnosed diabetes, while a much larger number have high blood sugar levels.

There is a strong link between these blood sugar problems and cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes and even death.

Some recent studies suggest managing sugar levels with insulin may help prevent cardiovascular disease, whether or not you have diabetes. Other recent studies suggest the risk of future cardiovascular disease and the associated complications can be reduced with oils naturally found in fish ? omega-3 fatty acids.

Insulin works in the body to restore and maintain normal blood sugar levels, while omega-3 fatty acids may possibly reduce harmful fats in the blood leading to hardening of the arteries.

The trial itself will take about five years, Diabetic Centre co-ordinator Debbie Jones said. Each centre sends its information to McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Bermuda will require between 20 to 40 people to take part in the study, she said. ?People get looked after very well, you get lots of people looking after you,? she said.

Participants will receive information on healthy lifestyles and get all their study medications free of charge, the ORIGIN pamphlet said.

They will also be trained to care for themselves for the various aspects of the study, and if medications are required to assist with treating high blood sugar levels, some of these will be provided free of charge.

Those interested in more information can contact Ms Jones on 239-2027, or Miriam Balatian-Dill at the Cardiac Care Unit at KEMH on 236-2345.

@EDITRULE:Are you at risk for cardiovascular disease?

You may be if you are 50 years of age or older and have any of the following risk factors:

? A blood sugar level that is a bit high.

? A previous diagnosis of diabetes treated by diet or a maximum of one pill.

? A previous heart attack or stroke.

? Stable or unstable angina.

?Other diseases of the heart or blood vessels.

If so, you may qualify for the ORIGIN research study, testing new ways to prevent future cardiovascular disease and the associated complications.

To determine if you are eligible or for further information, contact Debbie Jones, Diabetic Centre co-ordinator on 239-2027, or Miriam Balatian-Dill in the Cardiac Care Unit at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital on 236-2345.