November is Diabetes Awareness Month! World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated globally on November 14 to raise awareness about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The more you know, the better you are able to see the signs of this condition long before it can cause serious harm to not only eyes, but other parts of your body.
Type 1 diabetes usually appears first in children and adolescents, but it can occur in older people. The immune system attacks specific cells living in the pancreas so that it cannot produce insulin. Insulin is needed to make sure the body’s blood sugar level do not get too high or too low. Treatment for this type requires supplemental insulin for the rest of life.
Type 2 diabetes occurs as people age and results when the body’s cells becomes resistant to the insulin that is produced by the pancreas. This type of diabetes occurs mostly because of lifestyle – over-eating and not exercising are most common reasons. Individuals with this type can require treatment that ranges from changes in diet and exercise regimens to medications that helps to regulate the insulin to maintain control.
Both types of diabetes can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, neurological conditions, and vision loss.
Risk factors includes having a family history, genetic features, infections or viruses, and some medical conditions. African Americans are at the top of the list for developing Type 2 diabetes. The more you know, the better you can be at preventing this condition with you and your family. Having an annual eye exam can help you stay aware of your possibility of having this condition. Sometimes, vision changes are the first symptoms patients may have for Type 2 diabetes.
This year, in addition to having your annual physical exams, add having an eye exam to your list of things to do before the end of the year.
If you are in need of an eye care provider, I welcome you to visit EnVision Eye Care.
321 W. Montgomery
Crossroads, Savannah
(near Hunter Golf Course) For appointments, call (912)
927-0707 and visit us at www.envisionsavannah.com