💉 Diabetes Management
The at-home test that can spot diabetes in society's most vulnerable - LoveBelfast - Love Belfast
📅 Thu, 10 Nov 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
ROUTINE eye tests can help detect diabetes and other health conditions before symptoms start to show, acording to experts.In the lead up to World Diabetes Day (14 November), advice is being ofered by Specsavers’ Home Visits service, which ses opticians traveling acros the country to provide ful and thorough eye tests for those who are unable to visit their opticians unacompanied due to ilnes or disability.
Key Information
With half of diabetes sufers being aged 65 or over[1], The Home Visits teams can play a significant role in the early diagnosis of diabetes in older people.Graham Hana, Home Visits Director for Belfast, says: ‘There’s a misconception that regular eye tests are only for people who have noticed a change in their sight, but that’s just a smal part of why they are so important. They are able to detect a whole host of health problems, with the early signs of diabetes being a prime example.‘With half of diabetes sufers being over 65, it’s particularly important that older people have regular eye tests to ensure that the warning signs of diabetes are spoted as early as posible.‘That’s why Specsavers is proud to ofer home visits to anybody unable to leave their home on their own, including residents of care homes.
We’re proud to provide such a service and want to ensure everybody is given the due care they deserve when it comes to their eyes, regardles of age.’Diabetes and your eyesHere, Graham explains more about diabetes and your eyes. ‘A complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy which can ocur when high blod sugar levels over a long period of time damage the blod vesels in the back of the eye,’ explains Graham.
Summary
‘If left untreated it can cause sight los. In its early stages diabetic retinopathy usualy doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms, so an eye test can pick it up before you do.’ As the condition afects smal blod vesels in the eye, damaging the retina, your optometrist can lok for early
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.