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A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
World Sight Day
Why People Living with Diabetes Need to Prioritize Vision Care Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of sight loss in people living with diabetes. Awareness and proper management are essential. Anne Papmehl
P
eter McCarthy, 65, from New Minas, Nova Scotia, has lived with type 1 diabetes since age 40. About four years ago on a routine eye exam, he learned he has diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that involves changes to the retinal blood vessels that can cause them to bleed or leak fluid, ultimately distorting vision. Nearly all people living with type 1 diabetes and over 60 per cent of people living with type 2 diabetes have some degree of retinopathy after 20 years of living with the condition.
Early diagnosis and access to treatment critical Thanks to early diagnosis and access to treatment, McCarthy has been able to slow the deterioration of his vision. Every five weeks he travels to Halifax for eye injections and recently had his left lens replaced. “That’s given me a new lease on life as I’m able to read again, which I really
enjoy,” says McCarthy. He also monitors his glucose levels through his insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor which he’s been using for six years. “I’m a big fan and wish they had been around 25 years ago. It’s a real game changer for me,” he says. Monitoring blood glucose levels is critical for people living with diabetes as high levels over time can damage the vessels in the eye and increase the risk of sight loss. Diabetic retinopathy is one of many diabetes complications, that can be prevented or delayed with screening, education, and early treatment. “One of the things we’re recommending is that provincial and territorial governments develop their own diabetes strategy that aligns with the Framework for Diabetes in Canada and that highlights the importance of vision care in the management of diabetes,” says Laura Syron, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada.
“One of the things we’re recommending is that provincial and territorial governments develop their own diabetes strategy that aligns with the Framework for Diabetes in Canada and that highlights the importance of vision care in the management of diabetes.”
Peter McCarthy
Laura Syron President & CEO, Diabetes Canada
Learn more about Diabetes Canada’s recommendations to reduce the risk of sight loss in people living with diabetes by scanning the QR code or learn more about diabetes at diabetes.ca.
This article was sponsored by Diabetes Canada.
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