Diabetes“Sight for Life”

Sponsored in part by a grant from Roche Diagnostics

This presentation was made possible through production funding from the

• 17 million Americans have diabetes. • About half of those people don’t know they

have diabetes. • Diabetes is the major cause of blindness

among working age Americans.

DIABETES is a serious DISEASE!

• Diabetes can be a very serious disease if not controlled.

• Diabetes is the third leading cause of death.• An epidemic!

What is Diabetes?

• Diabetes affects the ability of our body to convert the food we eat into energy.

Type 1 (Insulin-Dependent) Diabetes

• Type I or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes.

• Requires insulin shots to live.• Usually starts under age 20.

Type 2 (Non-Insulin Dependent) Diabetes

• Can often control their diabetes without using insulin.

• Adults over age 40 who are overweight and have a family history of diabetes.

• Now occurring more frequently in children and adolescents.

When We Eat Food

• Food is converted into glucose.• Glucose enters the bloodstream.• Insulin helps to move glucose into cells.

Liver

Pancreas

Stomach

Intestines

How Our Body Uses Food

Glucose Molecules

The Cell

Insulin

Insulin allows glucose to enter the cell.

Type 1 Diabetes

Glucose Molecules

The Cell

• Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cell.• This person is “insulin-dependent”.

Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin

The CellGlucose

• Insulin does not work properly.• Glucose buildup - “hyperglycemia”.

Symptoms of DiabetesSymptoms of Diabetes

Frequent Urination

Unusual Thirst

Blurred Vision

Fatigue

• Also called “Juvenile Diabetes”.• Begins suddenly in persons under age 20.• 10% of diabetes patients.

Who Develops Type 1 Diabetes?

Who Develops Type 2 Diabetes?

• Usually occurs after age 40.• Gradual appearance of signs and symptoms.• Occurring more frequently in children.• Half are unaware they have diabetes.• 90% of diabetes patients.

Who Is Likely To Develop Diabetes?

• Overweight • Sedentary• Family history of diabetes• Advancing age• Ethnic origin

How Does My Optometrist Detect Diabetes?

Symptoms• Blurred Vision• Vision that Changes• “Double Vision”• Frequent Urination• Thirst • Fatigue

How Does My Optometrist Detect Diabetes?

Tests• History• Visual Acuity• Eye Movements• Refraction

How Does My Optometrist Detect Diabetes?

• Tonometry• Retinal Exam through a Dilated Pupil• Visual Field Test• Blood Test for Glucose

Complications of Diabetes

• #1 Cause of BLINDNESS• #1 Cause of AMPUTATION• #1 Cause of KIDNEY FAILURE• Twice as many HEART ATTACKS• Three times as many STROKES

Benefits of Preventing &Treating Diabetes

• Feel better.• Fewer symptoms.• Longer, healthier life.• Decrease the risk for complications of eye,

foot, kidney, heart and nerve diseases.• A lifetime of good vision!

Diabetes Can be Treated & Controlled

Your Diabetes Team:OptometristFamily PhysicianPodiatristDentistDiabetes EducatorRetinal SpecialistDietitian

Points to Remember

• If you or someone you know:– has symptoms of diabetes.– is overweight or sedentary.– is over age 40.– has a family history of

diabetes.

Call the Doctor!

Schedule a Checkup!

How to find an Optometrist

• To find a local Optometrist go to www.aoa.org home page. Click onto "Doctor Locator".

• Medicare beneficiaries can receive assistance in getting an eye exam by calling the “Diabetes Hotline” at 800-262-3947.

• Find more information on the American Optometric Association website: www.aoa.org.