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November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month: How Educated Are Your Patients?

Prevent Blindness America has named November Diabetic Eye Disease Month. Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Due to the high risk for eye disease, all people with diabetes age 30 and older should receive an annual dilated eye exam. For people with diabetes younger than 30, an annual dilated exam is recommended after they have had diabetes for five years.

Diabetes is a chronic, complex and destructive disease that can cause a wide range of problems, including heart disease, kidney failure, amputations, and blindness. By taking care of themselves through diet, exercise and special medications, individuals can control diabetes.

Approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes. Classified as a “chronic disease epidemic” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically over the past forty years.

All people with diabetes are at risk of developing eye disease that can permanently damage their vision and even lead to blindness. In fact, individuals with diabetes that has not been treated are 25 times more likely to lose their sight than the general population.

Types of Diabetes

Type I diabetes (Juvenile Onset)
This form of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children. It occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, an essential body requirement.

Type II diabetes (Adult Onset)
This form of diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that the body does produce. Type II diabetes usually develops in adulthood, although increasing numbers of children in some populations are being diagnosed.

Gestational Diabetes
This form of diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Gestational Diabetes affects two to four percent of all pregnancies.

Diabetes and Health
Both Type I and Type II diabetes are serious diseases, and can lead to the same kinds of complications, including diabetic eye disease. But people with diabetes can take several steps to stay well. Most important are eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining close control of blood sugar levels and learning as much as possible about living with diabetes.

Resources
Prevent Blindness America Diabetic Eye Disease Educational Materials: http://www.preventblindness.org/search/node/diabetes

Download Diabetic Retinopathy Quiz to give your patients: http://www.preventblindness.org/sites/default/files/national/documents/fact_sheets

American Diabetes Association web site: http://www.diabetes.org/

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