The Bermuda Diabetes Association is partnering with a United States-based company to use AI technology in a free screening exercise for chronic kidney disease this month.

The BDA said that the partnership with Carna Health during the three-day exercise will provide an opportunity for people at risk to check their kidney health and detect potential concerns early.

Screenings will take place at the association’s headquarters on Princess Street from August 25 between 8.45am and 4pm each day.

The charity said that CKD often develops silently, with many people experiencing no noticeable symptoms until the condition has progressed.

It said early screening can help identify kidney health concerns earlier, when treatment and lifestyle changes can make the greatest impact.

Detecting CKD early can slow or even prevent further kidney damage, reduce the risk of complications and help people protect their long-term health, the BDA added.

Lori Rockhead, the charity’s executive director, said: “One of the most striking findings from our previous screening programme was that 95 per cent of people identified as being at risk were previously unaware that their kidney health may be at risk.

“This highlights how silently CKD can develop and why accessible screening is so important.

“By identifying potential concerns earlier, we can help people take action, seek appropriate care and make informed decisions about their long-term health.

“We’re committed to making screening accessible to those most at risk while raising awareness that kidney health should be an important part of diabetes care and overall health management.

“A simple screening today could make a life-changing difference tomorrow.”

Salvatore Viscomi, the chief executive of Carna Health, which is based in Massachusetts, added: “We’re proud to partner with the Bermuda Diabetes Association on this important initiative, bringing advanced point-of-care testing and digital health tools to the community and making kidney health assessments more accessible for those who may be at risk.

“This partnership allows us to bring AI-enabled state-of-the-art technology into the community, helping identify kidney health risks earlier and supporting more informed conversations between individuals and their healthcare providers to prevent the progression of disease.”

The company provides integrated digital tools for screening populations, tracking disease progression and identifying high-risk patients early.

It operates a platform that uses AI-driven risk assessments to guide healthcare providers in making data-driven decisions, optimising treatment plans and preventing disease escalation.

The BDA said that the screening programme builds on its continuing commitment to improve kidney health across Bermuda.

In November 2023, the charity piloted point-of-care technology for CKD screening.

Since introducing the programme, it said, 188 people have been screened, with 34 per cent identified as being at risk of CKD.

Of those found to be at risk, 95 per cent were newly identified, meaning they were unaware their kidney health was at risk before attending a screening.

The association said the disease continues to be a growing global health challenge, with prevalence increasing by about 5 per cent each year.

Adults living with diabetes or high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing CKD, with the two conditions together accounting for approximately two out of every three cases.

The BDA said appointments at the screening exercise will take up to 60 minutes and include a urine sample, a blood test and a review of results with a healthcare professional.

Participants are encouraged to arrive well hydrated to help ensure the screening process runs smoothly.

• To register, visit the Bermuda Diabetes Association website at www.diabetes.bm