BF&M Ltd has committed $28,000 to fund a pilot programme designed to assist in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation for those living with diabetic foot disease.

The insurer is partnering with the Bermuda Diabetes Association and Bermuda Limb Care Ltd in the on-island project.

The programme will provide ten of BF&M’s health clients who are suffering with diabetic foot disease or foot ulcers, with two new revolutionary products, PulseFlowDf and FootForte.

These products are designed to assist in the rapid closure of foot ulcers that occur as a result of the disease and to aid in preventing them going forward.

The patients participating in the project will be identified by Andrew Jamieson, Bermuda Hospitals Board endocrinologist.

Michelle Jackson, senior vice-president, group lines health and life, said: “We recognise that foot ulcers are one of the most painful and difficult complications for patients to suffer through, and if we can help our community make advances in limiting their occurrence — then progress is being made and lives are better for it.

“We look forward to seeing the results of this project and thank the Bermuda Diabetes Association for inviting us to participate.”

According to a 2019 study conducted abroad, diabetic foot disease affects more than 425 million people worldwide, and is the leading cause of amputations — with one occurring every 30 seconds globally.