THE island's only pharmacy catering specifically to diabetic patients has a lot to celebrate on its one-year anniversary. Since the opening of the Diabetes Resource Centre in June 2007, filled prescriptions have increased more than 1,200 per cent. Considering that some health experts have called diabetes an "epidemic" here in Bermuda, their progress shouldn't come as a surprise.

The pharmacy opened to the public in June of last year and was filling, on average, 39 prescriptions a month. Just one year later, they are toasting to their success as the clinic is now filling more than 500 prescriptions each month.

Maria Bootle, the head pharmacist, who joined the Diabetes Resource Centre in April of this year has seen tremendous progress even in her first two months on the job.

"We have increased the number of customers that come to the pharmacy to get medications and supplies quite a bit. Just in the month of June we've seen more than 50 new customers, which brings our overall prescriptions for the month to more than 500," said Ms Bootle.

The pharmacy offers the medications and medical products that are necessary for diabetics to live every-day life, including all oral medications, insulin along with insulin pumps and test strips. Many diabetics have related conditions in addition to their diabetes so the pharmacy also dispenses supplies to address those needs, including blood pressure and cholesterol medications, wound care products, sugar-free snacks and educational books.

Regular customer Sheila Tucker, of Hamilton Parish and Type I diabetic, began getting her medications from the Resource Centre soon after it opened last year.

"I used to get my prescriptions from pharmacies in Hamilton but now I get all of my medications here. I enjoy coming and consider the ladies that work here friends, my family. They are very nice ladies. I bake for them and sit for about an hour and have a laugh," she said.

Ms Tucker has also found that the medications are less expensive than what she used to pay. "I find it [the Diabetes Resource Centre] cheaper here. Sometimes I can save $5 to $10 per prescription," she said.

While it's clear that the pharmacy is meeting the needs of some diabetic patients, it's unclear whether they are reaching the entire diabetes population in Bermuda, which has recently been estimated at 14 per cent for Type II patients and under 100 people with Type I. Ms Bootle says that the ultimate goal of the Diabetes Resource Centre is reaching all of these individuals.

"Our mission from the start was to try and raise awareness about the pharmacy. It's a one-stop shop for diabetics to obtain their medications, learn about them, get the medical supplies they need and see the nutritionist to learn how to eat and live healthier lives. The way our pharmacy is set up allows for us to spend time with our customers, getting to know them and working to improve and manage their condition," she said.

Sarah Burrows, the Bermuda Diabetes Association's programme manager agrees. "The more people know about us in the community, the more assistance we can provide by way of educational programmes, seminars and camps about prevention, caregiving, management and improvement of diabetes," she said.

The pharmacist is available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the clinic located at the corner of Cedar Avenue and Dundonald Streets in Hamilton.