One in three patients at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is diabetic, research from the Bermuda Hospitals Board has revealed.

Now the hospital has stepped up its efforts caring for patients with the disease and launched an education programme to ensure they look after their health.

Tammoi Simons, a diabetes nurse teacher who will advise about 30 diabetic patients each day, said: “It is staggering to know how many people in hospital have diabetes.”

Ms Simons will meet most patients with diabetes for learning sessions in the Acute Care Wing each day.

Ms Simons said: “We can make a huge difference by reaching them while they are in our care.

“Our new daily rounding for diabetes gives us time to help patients understand their diagnosis and how to use their medications before they leave hospital.”

She said that would reduce the chances of readmission for diabetic patients because they do not understand how to use insulin or other medications.

The BHB explained patients with diabetes are known to have poorer results and longer stays in hospital irrespective of the reason for their admission.

Andrew Jamieson, an endocrinologist who leads BHB’s Diabetes, Respiratory, Endocrinology and Metabolism Centre, will monitor the new focus of diabetes care. Dr Jamieson said quality of care for patients with wounds, infections, as well as heart disease and stroke, can be improved by making blood sugar control a priority.

He said: “We are particularly keen to do our part in supporting the hospital’s new stroke service going into the future as, on average, 40 per cent of patients with stroke have diabetes.

“We want to help people manage their diabetes, return to their homes sooner and improve their wellness and quality of life. Over the longer term this means people with diabetes experience fewer complications and overall this helps reduce healthcare costs for individuals and the island as a whole.”

A follow-up with the Dream Centre will also be arranged after patients are released. A new protocol will be set up for critically ill patients and hospital staff who manage patients with diabetes will be educated by Dr Jamieson and Ms Simons.