Health - Diabetes

Prevent Vision Loss

In honor of National Diabetes Month, I am posting more stuff on diabetes. One of the complication of this disease that is too often overlooked is vision loss. Some diabetes patients may not even be aware the disease can rob them of their sight.

The symptoms of vision loss can be extremely subtle at first. However, once your eyesight is gone, it can never be restored. According to recent figures, more than 5.3 million Americans above the age of 18 suffer from diabetic retinopathy. In fact, nearly half of all diabetes patients eventually develop some form of this disease. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that weakens the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to deteriorate, leak or become blocked.

To help people protect themselves against vision loss, here are some practical advice:

---Visit Your Eye Doctor. If you have diabetes or are at risk for this disease, it is essential to have your eyes checked at least once every year.

---Get to a Healthy Weight. If you are overweight, follow a healthy meal plan. Research shows that even a modest amount of weight loss can lower your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

---Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the most important steps you can take for proper diabetes management. It is important to speak with your personal physician before adopting any new exercise program.

---Monitor Your Blood Sugar. It is important to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control.

---Quit smoking. Not smoking and consuming only moderate amounts of alcohol at most will help decrease your risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.

Stay healthy.