Bermudians unite for diabetes

Around 300 people took part in a walk in the Botanical Gardens this morning to raise awareness of diabetes.

The walk was one of a series of events organised by Bermuda Diabetes Association to mark World Diabetes Day.

Programme manager Sarah Burrows said: "It was fabulous. We had about 300 people and it was good mix. Inevitably somebody in the family has diabetes so they were walking for granny or mother. Diabetes can affect anyone so it's important we have events like this to raise awareness."

Among those taking part in the walk was US Consul General Gregory Slayton whose grandfather died of the disease.

This year is the first time the United Nations has observed World Diabetes Day, following a landmark resolution passed in December last year which recognised diabetes as a chronic disease.

An estimated nine thousand people in Bermuda have diabetes and the figure is set to grow.

A free Making the Changes lecture is scheduled for 7pm this evening at the BUEI. Free screening will also be available.

Courtesy of the Bermuda Network News