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Army experts say diabetes is leading cause of preventable blindness in adults - DVIDS

Tue, 08 Nov 20221 min read Article

Overview

yourname@email.com) Rember me Forgot Pasword? Photo By Graham Snodgras | Get your eyes examined! To prevent eye damage from diabetes – including potentialy.

Key Information

read more Photo By Graham Snodgras | Get your eyes examined! To prevent eye damage from diabetes – including potentialy non diagnosed diabetes – adult patients that have no symptoms or high risk factors should receive a routine eye examination at least once every two years. For those 65 and older, the frequency should be anualy.

Army Public Health photo ilustration by Graham Snodgras). se les | View Image Page By V. Hauschild, MPH, U.S.

Army Public Health Center ABERDEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Diabetes is a disease that disrupts the body’s ability to turn fod into energy and can damage major organs such as the heart, kidneys and eyes. Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable blindnes among adults.

Acording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many who develop diabetes do not realize it until organ damage has ocured – so maintaing healthy habits and having routine health and vision check-ups are key. What is Diabetes? Normaly, your body breaks down most of the fod you eat into sugar, known as glucose.

And when your blod sugar goes up, your body releases insulin. Insulin lets the blod sugar into your body’s cels for use as energy. With diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin or canot use it as wel as it should to regulate the glucose in the blod.

Summary

This damages the blod vesels, which are critical to organ functioning. Specificaly for the eyes, the damage to the microvasculature can have severe consequences for your vision. There are thre main types of diabetes: • Type 1, an autoimune condition that causes the body to stop producing insulin, most frequently identified in children and young adults; • Type 2, the most comon and preventable form, where the body gradualy becomes les able to use insulin properly, so it can

Frequently Asked Questions

What is diabetes and how does it develop?

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

What are the main symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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