Free health screenings, healthy food samples and water will be on offer as part of a public open day being hosted by the Bermuda Diabetes Association.

The charity is inviting the public to the event on November 14, World Diabetes Day, to learn more about the services it provides.

November is also Diabetes Awareness Month and the association will be hosting a fundraising Tag Day and Denim Day on November 18 when diabetes-themed stickers will be available throughout the City of Hamilton.

A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Diabetes Association said: “Many people in Bermuda have type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, many with diabetes are struggling to access the care they need, putting them at risk of serious complications and premature death.”

The International Diabetes Federation is calling on all governments to increase access to diabetes care and education to help to improve the lives of the more than half a billion people living with diabetes worldwide

In May, the World Health Organisation adopted an historic resolution on diabetes that recommends the integration of prevention and treatment of diabetes into primary health services, greater access to affordable medicines and improved diabetes monitoring and surveillance.

The spokeswoman added: “The Bermuda Diabetes Association’s full-service pharmacy and Diabetes Education Centre provides low-cost medicines to all people in Bermuda and offers free education programmes such as lunch and learns, cooking demonstrations and group classes on how to monitor diabetes.

“We are grateful to our vendors BGA, Butterfield and Vallis and Dunkley’s, who will be providing healthy food options. Denim Day is Friday, November 18. Please raise your voice by wearing blue or denim. Also, look for the stores who are participating and have decorated their windows in blue.”

The open day takes place at the Bermuda Diabetes Association, 22 Princess Street, Hamilton on Monday, November 14 from 10am to 2pm.