When most people think of the Bermuda Diabetes Association, they think of education — nutrition advice, healthy lifestyle guidance and information on diabetes prevention and management. That work is essential. But it’s only part of our story.

What many don’t realise is that we provide frontline, wraparound diabetes support that often fills critical gaps in our healthcare system — especially for those who are uninsured, underinsured or struggling to access consistent support.

Diabetes is one of Bermuda’s most pressing public health challenges. Approximately one in eight adults in Bermuda lives with diabetes — twice the OECD average — and an estimated equal number are at risk of developing the condition. Simply put, 25 per cent of Bermuda’s adult population has diabetes or is at risk of developing diabetes. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and when left untreated, the consequences can be life-altering complications: heart disease, vision loss, kidney failure, amputations and strokes. But we do know that early intervention and management can change this story — helping people to live longer, healthier lives.

Unfortunately, not everyone in Bermuda has access to the care they need. Socioeconomic factors mean some of our community members are more vulnerable than others. For those with limited or no insurance, essentials such as medications, eating a healthy diet and glucose monitoring can be simply unaffordable.

At the Bermuda Diabetes Association, our mission is grounded in a simple principle: everyone should have access to quality diabetes care and affordable medication. Our vision is a healthier Bermuda — where prevention, access and fair treatment for everyone is at the centre of how we respond to all chronic disease. We believe prevention and early diagnosis can transform lives and change the trajectory of health outcomes. And we believe in meeting people where they are — without judgment or stigma — and helping them to live their best possible lives.

One of the most impactful — and least-known — aspects of our work is that we operate a full-service community pharmacy that is a social enterprise.

Our BDA Community Pharmacy, which is at 22 Princess Street, is open to everyone — not just those with diabetes — and offers a full range of prescription medications, free delivery, and blister packaging to support safe, consistent medication use; and we have kept our dispensing fee at $15 since 2008.

What makes this model unique is how the pharmacy feeds directly back into community care. Proceeds from our pharmacy are reinvested to support people living with diabetes who cannot afford their medications. In the past year alone, we filled more than 1,300 prescriptions free of charge, valued at more than $135,000, ensuring that essential medication reaches those who would otherwise go without.

And while many people know that our registered dietitians provide medical nutrition counselling, what’s often overlooked is that we don’t charge co-pays for this service — and we offer it completely free for those without insurance. Around this service, we wrap a network of support including:

• Peer support for people navigating daily life with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

• Community cooking classes

• Medication reviews with our pharmacist educator

• Early screening for pre-diabetes and diabetes-related complications

• Financial support for children with type 1 diabetes to attend summer camp

This integrated model recognises that diabetes care isn’t just about providing our clients with information, it’s about providing access to evidence-based services and helping people to improve their health.

It’s not charity. It’s equity in action.

Every year, the Bermuda Diabetes Association supports hundreds of individuals and families through direct services, education and outreach. The results are tangible — people feel more confident managing their health, complications are caught earlier, and financial barriers are reduced or eliminated altogether.

We don’t do this work alone. Diabetes is complex and impact is strengthened through deep collaboration with healthcare providers, employers, social agencies and non-profits across the island. These relationships help us to co-ordinate care, extend our reach and ensure people receive support at the right time in the right way. This year, in conjunction with Vision Bermuda, we provided financial support to 30 people to receive ophthalmologist assessments, of which 17 received vision-saving treatment.

This is prevention and care, working together.

A healthier Bermuda is possible but it requires sustained investment in prevention, access and community support. By expanding education, protecting access to care and standing with those affected by diabetes, we can reduce the long-term burden of this condition and improve lives across the island. Whether you use our pharmacy, support our programmes, partner with us, or advocate for equitable healthcare, you are part of the solution.

Because a healthier Bermuda benefits us all.

• Lori Rockhead is the executive director of the Bermuda Diabetes Association. To learn more, go towww.diabetes.bm. This op-ed is part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, a collective campaign co-ordinated by the Non-Profit Alliance of Bermuda. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the value, impact and contributions of Bermuda’s non-profit sector