Diabetes is a condition that can lead to a variety of health complications if left unchecked. These include ailments that affect the heart and kidneys, damage to the nerves, and impairment or loss of vision. Since November is National Diabetes Month, it is worth noting the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
Read on as Dr. Joel H. McGahen, OD, your trusted optometrist, discusses this month-long awareness campaign.
The Basics of Diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 30 million people have diabetes, with one in four people not knowing they have it. This condition has three categories: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body can’t produce insulin to control blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes, meanwhile, is the most common, with 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with it. Here, the body’s insulin can’t do a proper job to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, which can put the baby at risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes later in life.
Diabetes and Eyesight
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the U.S. Eye diseases known to be associated with diabetes include glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, which is the most debilitating vision problem among people with the ailment. It involves damage to the retina’s blood vessels, which may lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Importance of Prevention
This National Diabetes Month, your eye doctor is encouraging everyone to undergo comprehensive eye examinations every year. That way, early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent potential vision problems.
The condition has no cure yet, but a healthy lifestyle can minimize its impact on one’s life. Following a healthy eating plan, engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, and adhering to the doctor’s advice on daily care are all important in controlling blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Turn to us for your eye care needs. We provide a wide range of services, from conducting eye exams to prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Give us a call at (717) 609-4443 today to learn more. We serve residents of Chambersburg, PA.