Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, has highlighted the importance of taking part in a survey assessing the island’s wellbeing.

The minister said the Steps to a Well Bermuda survey, conducted by the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organisation, “will give us a clearer picture of our population’s overall health and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases”.

Ms Wilson added that residents chosen to participate in the survey would help “build a solid foundation for addressing key health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers” and shape approaches to prevention and care.

Physician Annabel Fountain, who specialises in diabetes, endocrinology and internal medicine, explained: “Since the first Steps survey was completed in 2014, the Government of Bermuda introduced the sugar tax.

“We hope that this, along with the other initiatives such as the healthy schools programme and the Bermuda Diabetes Association’s diabetes reversal and diabetes prevention programmes, will have contributed to reduced rates of obesity and diabetes in our population.

“The only way to know is to do these population health surveys regularly.”

Lori Rockhead, executive director of the BDA, said: “Every response provides vital information that contributes to social policies and health services for everyone.

“It’s important that the voices of people living with diabetes are heard and understood in a way, which can lead to better health for all.”

One adult in each chosen household will have their blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference measured after completing a health questionnaire as part of the survey.

They will then have their fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels measured through finger stick samples.

All information collected is confidential and anonymous but participants can share their results with healthcare providers.

A chosen household cannot be replaced in the survey if no one from the family participates.

• Visit gov.bm/steps-bermudaor contact steps@gov.bm or 278-4900 for more information about the survey