Diabetes and its relation to the eyes. Yes eyes will be affected by diabetes in the long run. But early detection will at least the slowdown diabetes-related eye diseases.
Diabetes is not only sight threatening but also life threatening disease if not detected early and managed well. It is a workable disease if you catch the devil young and are willing to change life style. But unfortunately in India it is developing into an epidemic and is a real ticking time bomb.
An estimated 77 million million Indians suffer from diabetes and according to experts, the problem seems to be growing at an alarming rate. The number is expected to double and reach epidemic proportions, even as half the number of diabetics in the country remain undiagnosed. India currently represents 49 percent of the world’s diabetes burden, Worse still, diabetes has debilitating consequences on many of the body’s vital organs if remained unchecked and controlled, the biggest problem being that of eye sight. .
Experts across the country consider India to be the diabetic capital of the world and the condition a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. However, of more concern is the fact that awareness of the condition’s consequences is quite low. While blood sugars need to be controlled, patients are seldom aware that in the long run it can affect eyes, kidneys, heart and every single vital organ of the body
Diabetics are 25 times more prone to blindness when compared to non diabetics. We Indians have a genetic predisposition for diabetes but there are the contributing factors which precipitates early diabetes. The eye is the most common organ to be affected by diabetes in the long run. So it is essential for diabetic patients to be aware of this fact that blindness through diabetes can be avoided to a great extent through regular check ups.
Diabetes patients should undergo an eye check as soon as the condition is detected and regular yearly checks thereafter or as frequently as the doctor recommends. This will enable the early detection and prevention of eye diseases through laser and other treatments. Doctors estimate that early detection will enable the halting or at least the slow down of diabetes-related eye diseases.
Diabetic patients tend to ignore this problem since the symptoms might not manifest themselves overtly. He may go 10 years without any obvious problems, but it might have set in internally however, a doctor will be able to detect the problems during regular checks and begin remedial measures. But if the patients ignore it, it might be too late when he actually realises. If the problem becomes more acute and leads to bleeding, then only surgery can set this right. The point is all this can be avoided through awareness and preventive measures.
Diabetes is a lifestyle disease and it is essential to keep preventive aspects in mind. Family history plays a major role in diabetes. A person stands a 40 per cent chance of getting diabetes if the father has it, 60 per cent if the mother has it and a 90 per cent chance if both parents have it. Also, men are more prone to diabetes than women. Its onset can be delayed if weight is kept in check, regular exercises and stress is minimised, it is also helpful to keep in mind that statistics indicate diabetes is more prone to urban dwellers than rural – an estimated 12.5 per cent of urban dwellers are prone to it, as against just 4 per cent of rural dwellers,
Some facts about diabetes and its relation to the eyes
- The commonest cause for blindness in developed countries is diabetes and the contributing factors are
- Longer the duration of diabetes – more the chances
- Even if diabetes is under good control it can affect the eyes in the long run; if poorly controlled – more likely
- If associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels -eyes are likely to get affected
- There are 50% chances of eye involvement if you have diabetes for more than 10 years. Diabetes primarily affects the film or the retina of the eye and if not detected and treated early can lead to irreversible blindness.
Prevention is better than cure
Prevention is better than cure is not just a frequently quoted statement but is actually important for a healthy and long life If you have any of the above predisposing factors do keep a close watch on your blood sugar, and the early signs of diabetes are
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive hunger
- Excessive urination
- Unusual weight loss
Some mandatory dos and don’ts
- If you are already a diabetic, keep a tight control on your blood sugar, a close watch on your diet and shed those excessive pounds. The couched-potato life style must change.
- Have your eyes checked for diabetic changes at least once a year even if you can see well.
Diabetes has considerable medical, social, financial impacts. Half the battle can be won by creating awareness of disease and learning how to live with it. We need to have a multi-pronged approach with diet, drugs, exercise and life style changes-all in equal measures and as it is popularly said “Avoid hurry, worry and curry”.
Dr.K. Bhujang Shetty
Narayana Nethralaya
121/C , 1st ‘R’ Block, Chord Road
Rajaji Nagar
Bangalore – 560010
Ph: 91 8066121300-305
