in Bermuda.

That is the view of the Diabetic Education and Counselling centre which believes many people may not realise they are diabetic.

The centre, which was established in the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital two years ago, is launching a campaign to inform the public of the services they offer.

Diabetes Centre coordinator, Mrs. Deborah Jones says that when people are told they have a "touch of sugar'' they do little to control their diabetes.

Mrs. Jones says that older people pay little attention to frequent urination, increased thirst and fatigue, because they think they are signs of old age.

The serious complications of diabetes are now highlighted in a new poster which will be given to doctors to display in offices and waiting areas.

Patient referral cards will be given out as part of the campaign. The cards will be distributed by doctors to encourage patients to use services provided by the Diabetic Centre.

Mrs. Jones said: "We encourage people to control their diabetes by a healthy diet, improved eating habits, a sensible exercise programme and generally a change in lifestyle.

"There is very little that we ask people to do that could be termed exceptional or unusual.

Located in the hospital's new wing, the centre holds education classes to teach people the best ways to manage their diabetes. Classes consist of 12 hours of group sessions. Each person is seen for an individual assessment before the classes.

There is also individual counselling for insulin administration, insulin adjustment, self blood glucose monitoring and diet.

Mrs. Jones said: "We also have a gestational diabetes programme and this is growing day by day. All pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes after their 24th week as this type of diabetes is a common occurrence during pregnancy.

"All patients seen through the Diabetes Centre have continuous follow-up care which is an integral part of diabetes management.'' UNDERSTANDING DIABETES -- Mr. Hume Martin, Hospitals Board executive director, and Diabetes Centre coordinator Mrs. Deborah Jones display the new poster designed to raise awareness of diabetes.