Senior Citizen Information - Health

One of the concerning things about having diabetes is the risk of complications. Little is said about these - but they seem to be mentioned at regular hospital appointments - and seem to be the inevitable result of poor blood glucose control.

Of these complications, one that seems most scary because there can be few visible warning signs is the loss of eyesight that can occur. In fact, statistics show that the risk of going blind is twenty five times higher for a diabetic than for a similarly healthy person.

Diabetic Retinopathy

With more than half diabetics experiencing some degree of retinopathy, or eye disease, this is clearly a serious concern and health risk.

Retinopathy refers to the damage to the blood vessels at the back of the retina.

Until recently it wasn't easy to see this damage occurring, but thanks to new technology it's possible to carry out a regular scan of the eyes to spot early signs of damage. If caught at this early stage, laser surgery can help retain vision and reduce the risk of permanent damage.

Near Normal Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have shown that people whose levels stay close to normal levels are less likely to experience complications, not only for the eyes, but also the other risk factors.

This is why it's so important to work with your health care team and to consider new options that are available to help manage your levels.

For some this may be increased injections, for other trying an insulin pump, whilst for others simply monitoring levels more frequently may help improve the management of their diabetes.

Do keep working at improving your control - as it will make a positive difference to your long term health and wellbeing.