The Bermuda Diabetes Association (BDA), which supplies free insulin and needles for those in need, has been struggling for funds since last summer when the cost of prescriptions rocketed.

BDA co-ordinator Debbie Jones explained that the charity had been getting its supplies at cost price from another charity, the TB, Cancer and Health Association, which operated its own pharmacy.

But when that pharmacy closed down last July, the supply of budget-price insulin dried up. The BDA has since been forced to get its supplies from commercial pharmacies across the island. Although discounts are available, the charity's monthly prescription bill has now quadrupled to $5,000 a month.

"Many of the island's pharmacies said they'd assist us and they have been giving us some discounts but the costs are still astronomical," Mrs. Jones said.

"We need charitable funds to look after these people but our funds are being depleted.

"With Type 1 diabetes you have to take insulin and if you don't, you'll die ? it's as simple as that. This life-saving medication is essential."

The charity deals with 300 regular patients a month along with 400 new patients each year. Mrs. Jones pointed out that many diabetics are seniors without adequate insurance coverage who suffer from a host of other conditions such as high blood pressure.

The association provides those in need with free prescriptions along with advice on how and when to take their prescriptions and counselling. It now wants to set up its own non-profit pharmacy so that it can obtain medical supplies at cost price ? but has nowhere to house the facility.

"There are so many people out there who don't have the resources to pay for their medication," Mrs. Jones said.

"People will walk into a pharmacy, not be able to afford their meds and walk out without them ? that's why it's so imperative that we help them.

"We now want to set up our own pharmacy so that we can then provide our clients with medication at cost price ? but it's a question of finding a place."

The charity held a meeting with other health care groups and insurance professionals on Wednesday night.

"We needed to know where the community is and if it is behind us in any way and the meeting was certainly very positive," Mrs. Jones said.

"There were some good suggestions about where we could go and people were thinking outside the box. It was also a good way of making people aware of the situation. The fact is we are soon going to be running out of funds and then we won't be able to help anybody.

Mrs. Jones said the organisation received a great deal of support from Government and the Bermuda Hospitals Board, but could not rely on either group for financial support.

"This is a charity issue," she said. "It's not a revenue maker and so I don't think it's something the hospital wants to look into. Besides, I don't think people understand that the hospital is bursting at the seams right now. Government has also been helping us and been very supportive."

According to statistics, one in five of the population suffers from diabetes, with the World Health Organisation predicting that 8,400 Bermudians will have the condition by 2010.

Last night Shadow Minister for Health and Seniors Louise Jackson said it was essential for the island to have a "one-stop shop" for diabetes sufferers.

"Seniors are suffering from this disease in great numbers and many cannot afford the medicines needed for their care," she said.

"These same people often do not qualify for 'indigent status', and go without medication which can be costly. Now seniors and others with diabetes must pay higher prices for medicines and go from one pharmacy to another to find their medications, often without counselling and education on the use of the medication."