Hospital to offer free screenings during World Diabetes Month as part of a preventative campaign

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23: Bermuda Hospitals Board joins a global diabetes campaign this month highlighting the importance of preventing complications associated with this disease.

The hospital will be offering free blood sugar, blood pressure and foot screenings, waist measurements and dietary advice in the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) lobby between 10am and 2pm on November 25.

A podiatrist will also be available to answer questions and provide education about the importance of foot care.

Bermuda has one of the highest rates of foot amputations resulting from diabetes among developed countries.

Debbie Jones, BHB diabetes nurse educator, said: “With increasing numbers of patients being diagnosed with diabetes each year, we want to get the message out that complications from foot problems are among the most serious.

“Sadly, younger people in Bermuda are now being diagnosed with diabetes. As a result, we even see young people with amputations.”

Worldwide, it is estimated that an amputation reduction rate of over 50 per cent could be realized with better education.

“The importance of prevention, care and treatment options cannot be over-emphasized,” Ms. Jones said.

“Over 80 per cent of type 2 diabetes is preventable by changing diet, increasing physical activity and improving one’s living environment.

“But when left untreated, diabetes can lead to renal failure, lower limb amputations, blindness, heart disease, stroke and death.”

The Diabetes Education Centre, located at its new home in the Chronic Disease Management Centre at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, plays a major role in the community, particularly since 20 per cent of the Bermuda population is affected by this condition.

This past year alone, 122 patients were diagnosed at the hospital with type 2 diabetes. In 2011, 221 clients enrolled in Diabetes Education Centre classes designed to assist and educate newly diagnosed patients.

The classes include morning walks, as well as instruction in diet and cooking, as part of an effort to help clients integrate a healthy lifestyle into their daily routine.

“One of the reasons we are focusing on the importance of proper treatment and appropriate foot care this year, is because more than 50 per cent of people with lower extremity amputation require a second amputation within five years,” conclude Ms Jones.

“Sadly, the survival rate for someone with diabetes who has had a below-knee amputation may only be five years.

“As a result, it is vital for people with diabetes to learn what they can do to lower their risk of complications, to follow the advice of their physicians and to be an active participant in their medical care.”

 In addition to free screenings, Diabetes Education Centre staff has scheduled in-service sessions for nurses and Continuing Medical Education presentations for physicians this month.