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Don't let diabetes steal your sight
About 400,000 people in
Australia
- many of whom feel reasonably healthy - are unaware
they have diabetes, a disease which threatens their
eyesight. Symptoms of diabetes aren't always
obvious, and if it goes unnoticed and untreated, it
can eventually lead to blindness (and other serious
health problems). It's to blame for ten per cent of
blindness in Australia and is the most common cause
of blindness in people under 65. But this loss of
sight is preventable.
Who's at risk of
diabetes?
Anyone may be at risk. Type 1 (which always requires insulin
injections) is most common in children and young people, although it can
occur at any age. But most people with diabetes have Type II diabetes which
is more likely to develop in adults over 40, and has a lot to do with the
way we live our lives. Anyone who is over 40, who is overweight, or has a
family history of diabetes or who has given birth to a baby weighing more
than 4kg is at increased risk of diabetes. People from certain ethnic groups
also have a higher risk, including people from Southern European, Chinese,
South East Asian and Indian backgrounds.
How does diabetes affect
the eyes?
When someone has
diabetes their body cannot control the level of sugar in the blood. If this
isn't treated, high levels of sugar can eventually lead to kidney disease,
problems with the nerves which may result in amputation of feet or legs, and
contribute to heart disease and stroke. It also damages tiny blood vessels
in the eyes, causing a problem known as retinopathy. But because the
symptoms aren't always obvious, the damage can become quite serious even
before you realise something is wrong. This is why it's so important to have
regular eye examinations. Everyone who has diabetes should have their eyes
checked at the time the disease is diagnosed, then every two years by
someone trained to detect retinopathy (an ophthalmologist, optometrist,
nurse, diabetes specialist or GP). Anyone who has retinopathy should have
their eyes checked at least every 12 months. If the problem is detected
early enough, treatment with laser surgery can usually prevent further
damage to your sight. (Laser surgery uses a very concentrated beam of light
to treat areas damaged by retinopathy.
What helps prevent
retinopathy?
Controlling
blood sugar levels by following the diet recommended by a doctor or
dietician, regular exercise, medication as directed, and regular eye checks.
Enjoying plenty of cereals, grains, vegetables and fruit, reducing fat in
your diet, and exercising regularly not only helps control diabetes, it also
helps prevent problems with cholesterol and blood pressure - healthy
cholesterol and blood pressure levels are also important for preventing
retinopathy.
How do I know if I have
diabetes?
Although some
people notice increased thirst and urination, lack of energy, blurred vision
and frequent skin and vaginal infections, there may be no symptoms. The only
way to be sure is to ask your doctor for a simple blood test. Anyone who is
overweight, over 40, has a family history of diabetes or has given birth to
a baby weighing over 4kg should have the test as soon as possible. If
diabetes is detected, it can usually be controlled with a healthy diet,
regular exercise, not smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. In some cases,
insulin injections or tablets are needed to control this type of diabetes
too.
How can you reduce the
risk of developing diabetes?
By keeping to
a healthy weight, reducing the amount of fat in your diet and being
physically active.
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