Gaining insight into Diabetes
Post on 10th June 2019
The importance of regular eye tests is given added focus in Diabetes Week (10-16 June).
Eye tests provide more than a check on your vision; they give an insight into overall well being and can detect whether you are at risk of diabetes based on the retinal vascular changes and blood vessel patterns in your eyes.
One in five people live with diabetes, that’s 4.7 million in the UK, including one million who do not know they have diabetes.
It is also the leading cause of blindness of people of working age in the UK.
There is action you can take to reduce your chances of developing diabetes complications, such as damage to your eyes, by controlling your blood pressure, glucose, and blood fat levels, by keeping active, maintaining an ideal body weight and giving up smoking.
People with diabetes are advised to have their eyes tested every year. Around 30% will develop diabetic retinopathy, which if left undetected could lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy – damage to the back of the eye (retina) – is treatable, but it has to be picked up first.
This condition and diabetes itself can be detected in an eye examination which highlights the value of having regular eye tests as early diagnosis is of great benefit.
Diabetes Week is a timely reminder to make that sight test appointment if one is due or if you have any concerns about your eye health.
For professional and friendly advice please call into your nearest Scrivens branch. If you would like more information about diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org.uk
To find your nearest branch and book your free demonstration enter your postcode below