A sponsored walk and run has raised approximately $9,000 for diabetes supplies for children from families affected by financial difficulty.

About 50 participants joined the event from the Botanical Gardens on November 9, and another 50 people on the island and overseas took part virtually from November 8 to 10, charting their own route.

Raphael Loutoby, a kidney specialist, has organised the Hamilton Rotary Club Run and Walk for the past seven years and was recognised by the club last week for his work.

In addition to the almost $4,000 raised from the event, about $5,000 has been donated from corporations so far.

“The money is used to help children with diabetes and we help those who cannot afford to buy the necessary supplies,” Dr Loutoby explained.

“We give them a state-of-the art monitoring system as well as the supplies they need to monitor their diabetes.”

Dr Loutoby said the annual costs can run into the thousands for just one patient and that the race funds have been able to assist a small number of low-means applicants.

“We do the best we can with what we receive,” Dr Loutoby added.

“The event helps to raise awareness of kidney disease and is an opportunity for regular people to improve their lifestyles by engaging in positive activities.

“We are hoping that they will be conscientious of their health and engage in more physical activity.

“If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family member with kidney disease, you should be screened.”

He explained: “The first cause of kidney disease in Bermuda is diabetes. Over the years, we have more resources to deal with patients with diabetes, the education has helped people to manage their disease better but we still have a lot to do.

“Type 2 diabetes is rampant in Bermuda, the problem with it is that the blood sugar is not necessarily too elevated but damage is still being done.

“Everyone should have a physical with their GP once a year where they check for blood pressure, blood sugar and also the kidney function, at least those three things. It is non-invasive, a blood test, a urine test.

“In doing your annual physical, you could be screened for diabetes and kidney disease.

“We see people who have not seen a doctor for 20 years and they have full-blown kidney disease. We shouldn’t see those things because had they been seen by their GP, they would have known that their kidney function has been impaired.”

Sara Bosch de Noya, a diabetes educator for the Bermuda Diabetes Association, gave a presentation at the Hamilton Rotary Club on Tuesday, when she highlighted events the association is hosting throughout November, which is Diabetes Awareness Month.

She said: “This year, we want to talk about what diabetes stigma is.

“The International Diabetes Federation theme for World Diabetes Day is Diabetes and Wellbeing.

“A lot of diabetes wellness and wellbeing wouldn’t be possible for people who suffer with diabetes stigma where that shame or feeling of judgment hinders them from getting their best care.

“They may not go to see their doctor or a child may not give herself her insulin because she doesn’t want someone to see her.

“We recognise there are so many ways that diabetes stigma can be silent and yet profound. There is a psychological burden but it impacts physical and clinical care, and therefore diabetes outcomes.

“We are encouraging everyone in the community to have open conversations about diabetes and to become diabetes advocates.”

The Bermuda Diabetes Association is to hold a health fair today.

• For information about these and other events, visit the association’s events page atdiabetes.bm/get-involved/events