Two donors made it possible for the Bermuda Diabetes Association (BDA) to organize foot screenings by a chiropodist, and retinal eye screening by an ophthalmologist for fifty uninsured people with diabetes.
Almost every one screened had uncontrolled hypertension, more than half had elevated HbA1c, and the majority did not see a physician on a regular basis. Few had ever had their feet checked or their eyes screened before.
Pathology identified included neuropathy, advanced diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.
The challenge now is to find funding to cover the cost of treatment for those with little to no health insurance.