Keep your eyes on diabetes

Diabetes has affected several millions of people across the world, and the numbers are supposed to double in the next few decades.

An estimate suggests that, upto one in two adults who already have Diabetes are not aware that they have Diabetes.

Unfortunately, several individuals affected with Diabetes are not aware of the various complications that they may develop due to Diabetes and the means to prevent such complications.

Some of them may have already developed the complications of Diabetes related to Eyes, Heart, Feet, kidneys and they being unaware of the same.

This could be averted by improving the awareness of what Diabetes is, its symptoms, methods of screening for Diabetes and screening for complications appropriately, and of course not ignoring the prevention aspect.

Simple steps could save health related complications and costs and thereby reducing the health care burden of the disease on the individual, family and society at large.

The theme of World Diabetes Day (WDD) 2016, celebrated on November 14, globally is ‘Eyes on diabetes’. The key messages guiding the campaign are:

Screening for type two Diabetes is important to modify its course and reduce the risk of complications.

Screening for Diabetes complications is an essential part of managing all types of Diabetes.

November 14, on World Diabetes Day, IDF, International Diabetes Federation is asking individuals who may be at risk of type two Diabetes, people living with Diabetes, Diabetes associations and health professionals to take action to help identify people with undiagnosed type two Diabetes, those at risk of developing it in future, and ensure early diagnosis and treatment of Diabetes complications such as blindness.

IDF aims to achieve a million screenings recorded on the World Diabetes Day website during the month of November.

Individuals are encouraged to learn about risk of type two Diabetes by taking an online risk assessment questionnaire and help reach the target of one million individuals screened.

Associations and health professionals are encouraged to organise a screening activity for type two Diabetes or Diabetes complications in November.

Simple online questionnaires using parameters such as age, body mass index, waist circumference, food intake, exercise patterns, history of elevated blood pressure, previous history of higher blood glucose levels, family history of Diabetes in close relatives, can reasonably predict the chance of an individual developing type two Diabetes in the future.

While one cannot change ones genetic makeup, he or shecan certainly make positive changes in lifestyle, exercise regularly, avoid junk and fat rich diet, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fibre rich foods and thereby reduce the chances of developing type two Diabetes.

It is equally important to prevent complications of Diabetes if someone has already developed Diabetes. While every complication of Diabetes is equally dangerous and affects the quality of life of an individual, this year’s focus is on Eyes.

Early detection and timely treatment of Diabetic retinopathy can prevent vision loss and reduce the impact of Diabetes on individuals, their careers and society.

Careful management of Diabetes and screening for Diabetic eye disease can help prevent visual impairment and blindness, for which Diabetes is a leading cause worldwide.

Let this November month, be utilised to screen our society for Diabetes and its complications and thus prevent, detect and treat Diabetes and its complications in a timely and appropriate manner.

By: Dr Ravi Sankar Erukulapati
The writer is Diabetes & Endocrinology (UK) Consultant Endocrinologist at Apollo Hospitals- Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.