Bermuda may be grappling with its own serious problems with diabetes, but that hasn't stopped campaigners reaching out to help sufferers in crisis-hit Bangladesh.

One of the Island's leading diabetes experts, Debbie Jones, is co-chair of the international group Towards Improvement in Diabetes Emergency Settings, which is sending vital supplies to areas devastated by last week's cyclone.

Mrs. Jones says more children suffer Type One diabetes in South East Asia than anywhere else in the world — and that difficulties accessing diabetes care are made even worse in times of disaster.

More than five million people were affected by the cyclone, with thousands still homeless and much-needed aid taking too long to arrive.

Mrs. Jones has been working with allied organisations such as Insulin For Life to ensure life-saving medications are readily accessible by those in need.

She says help is urgently needed to meet costs of transport and medications such as insulin, test strips and oral agents and made a plea for donations for the public.

"The difficulties faced by poor and underserved people in accessing diabetes care are exacerbated in times of disasters," said Mrs. Jones, who is Bermuda's Diabetes Centre Coordinator.

"The geographical context may vary but the experiences of disadvantaged people are depressingly similar around the world. There are many factors such as stress, lack of food, shelter or fresh water, and loss of medications, which put those with diabetes at increased risk.

"In emergency situations, diabetes supplies, including blood or urine glucose testing equipment and medications, must be up to date and immediately available.

"A few months worth of diabetes medication may be all that is needed, giving the person with diabetes time to replenish their life saving supplies.

"For people who have had Type One diabetes for several years, even hours without insulin can result in the individual becoming extremely ill and dying.

"It is essential that these medications be distributed as quickly as possible. Any contributions will be greatly appreciated and may mean the difference between life and death."

Coincidentally, Bangladesh led the world in sponsoring the recent United Nations Resolution on diabetes marked by World Diabetes Day last week.

Donations can be sent to the Bangladesh disaster insulin relief fund care of the Bermuda Diabetes Association P.O. Box DV 506, Devonshire DVBX; or through the Bank of Butterfield account: Bermuda Diabetes Association Disaster Fund, account number 20050 060 344 487 210.