A diabetes summit will be held at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club tomorrow.

The event, which is open to the public, will feature a discussion by the senior team of the International Diabetes Federation and global young leaders in diabetes prevention.

The speakers, who are also working with the World Health Organisation to address diabetes, will talk about the latest efforts to combat the global and local diabetes epidemic.

“Diabetes is a growing problem in Bermuda with more than 13 per cent of the population suffering from the disease,” said Debbie Jones, founder of the Bermuda Diabetes Association.

“Our goal is to promote awareness about diabetes as well as the causes and treatments and we hope as many members of the public will attend the summit.”

The Diabetes Summit us being sponsored by the Argus Group in conjunction with the Bermuda Diabetes Association.

Michelle Jackson, executive vice president, Group Insurance of the Argus Group, said: “According to data from 2010, the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Bermuda is the highest in the OECD. Diabetes is a serious disease and complications can include hypertension, heart disease, stroke, nerve pain in the feet and kidney failure.

“Knowledge is power when it comes to health and it is important for all of us to know what diabetes is, its symptoms, our individual risk factors, how we can prevent Type 2 diabetes and how we can support our family members who have diabetes.

“We are pleased to be sponsoring an important event which aims to educate the public about this epidemic.”

The event will be held at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club from 5.30 to 8pm. To learn more about the summit e-mail dcamara@argus.cm or call 298-0892.