Residents at a health screening exercise who showed improvements in the function of their kidneys credited lifestyle changes as key to improving their health, a charity said.

The Bermuda Diabetes Association said the result was “one of the most encouraging outcomes” of the three-day screening for chronic kidney disease last month.

The participants returned for checks after attending one or two years earlier.

The BDA said the “successful” exercise provided members of the community with free access to early detection and health education.

Lori Rockhead, the executive director of the BDA, noted the importance of the findings.

She said: “In each case, people had improved their kidney function by becoming more aware of how to maintain healthy kidneys.

“When asked what they had done differently, participants described lifestyle changes such as reducing their salt intake, improving their diabetes management and increasing their physical activity.

“This is precisely what we wanted to accomplish. By educating people about the risk factors and helping them become more aware of their kidney health, participants were empowered to make practical changes that are having a positive impact on their health.”

Ms Rockhead said detecting CKD early gives individuals the opportunity to take the steps necessary to prevent or delay the progression of the disease.

She said managing blood sugar and high blood pressure are essential to reducing risks.

The BDA offers a number of free health screenings to make it easier for people to understand key health indicators, Ms Rockhead said.

She said it enables people to take action “not only to prevent diabetes, but also to reduce the risk of serious complications such as vision loss, kidney disease and amputation”.

She added: “Knowing your numbers today can help protect your health for tomorrow.”

The BDA said 31 people were screened during the exercise, with 32 per cent identified as being at moderate to high risk of kidney disease.

The charity partnered with United States-based medical firm Carna Health to use point-of-care technology in the exercise.

The most common risk factors identified were diabetes and high blood pressure, followed by obesity and a family history of kidney disease, the BDA said.

A spokeswoman said the findings reinforced the importance of accessible, community-based screening and health education, particularly as CKD can progress without noticeable symptoms.

Identifying people who may be at risk provides an opportunity for further assessment, appropriate follow-up and changes that can help to protect their kidney health, she said.

The charity said the exercise reinforced the importance of regular screening, particularly in Bermuda, where more than 13 per cent of residents live with diabetes and approximately one in three adults has high blood pressure and or high cholesterol.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, who was the first resident to be screened when the BDA introduced the undertaking in 2023, participated in the screening last month.

Ms Wilson said: “Kidney health continues to be a significant challenge in Bermuda.

“Opportunities for free screening are important to early detection, which helps people prevent or slow the progression of the disease and avoid late-stage CKD when dialysis is required.

“Early detection of chronic diseases supports the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-27 to deploy technology, along with community partners, to improve health outcomes.”

The BDA said HbA1c testing — which measures blood sugar levels — was also incorporated into the screening.

It provided participants with additional insight into their blood sugar management alongside their kidney health assessment.

Salvatore Viscomi, the chief executive of Carna Health, hailed the value of its partnership with the BDA.

Dr Viscomi said: “Our continued partnership with the Bermuda Diabetes Association demonstrates the value of combining innovative technology with accessible, community-based healthcare.

“By bringing a digital health platform with integrated point-of-care testing directly into the community, we can help identify people who may be at risk of chronic kidney disease earlier, when there is a greater opportunity to intervene and slow or prevent its progression.

“Ultimately, the aim is not simply to screen, but to provide individuals and their healthcare providers with meaningful information that can support earlier intervention and better long-term health outcomes.”

As part of its diabetes prevention mandate, the BDA provides free health screenings and educational opportunities designed to promote prevention, early intervention and a healthier community.

The charity encouraged residents to understand their risk factors, monitor key health indicators including blood sugar and blood pressure, adopt healthy lifestyle habits and speak with their healthcare providers about appropriate screening.