Your Eyes Matter Too: Observing World Diabetes Day

All About World Diabetes Day

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) started World Diabetes Day in 1991 because the number of people getting diabetes was growing very fast all around the world. They picked November 14th as the date because it's the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, a scientist from Canada. He and Charles Best unlocked the use of insulin in 1922, which helped those suffering from diabetes in a big way. The main reason we have World Diabetes Day is to teach more people about diabetes and the problems it can cause in the body, like issues with the eyes, kidneys, and heart. It’s important to know how people get diabetes, what signs to look for, how to stop it from happening, and the different ways to treat it.

How Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyes?

The link between diabetes and eye health goes beyond what you might realize. Diabetes can cause various problems in the eyes that can make you lose your vision or even go blind if you don't get help. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the biggest concerns because it damages blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy doesn't usually have clear signs, so it's very important to have your eyes checked regularly to catch it early and take care of it. Other eye problems come with diabetes too, like cataracts and glaucoma. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts when compared to people without diabetes. They're also more likely to get glaucoma.

The Best Ways to Protect Your Vision

Stay Informed

On World Diabetes Day, you can learn new things about diabetes and your eyes. It's a chance to find out about the healthiest ways to manage diabetes and protect your eyes. It’s also key to keep up with the research being done and the different treatments available so you can make the best choices for your health.

Understand Your Risk

It’s important to understand that your eyes are at risk if you have diabetes. If you’ve had diabetes for a long time, have trouble controlling your blood sugar level, or have family members suffer from certain eye diseases, then you’re at a higher risk of developing these ailments.

Regular Eye Exams

Getting regular, comprehensive eye check-ups with the eyecarecenter team is especially important. Routine eye exams with skilled doctors can catch problems early and before they get worse. Even if your vision hasn’t changed, you might have eye problems from diabetes without knowing it.

Be Healthy

Eating well is one of the most important aspects of living a healthy life. Try to eat foods that are packed with good nutrients. That means things like whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats. Exercise isn't just about staying in shape, it’s also key for handling diabetes. Regular physical activity helps your body respond better to insulin, which in turn helps control your blood sugar levels. It's also great for your heart. Your circulation improves when you’re being active. This gives your eyes the oxygen they need to be their best.

Next Steps

World Diabetes Day is a time when everybody can come together to talk about diabetes. It's a day to teach each other about the impact of diabetes, all while staying positive. If we live healthier lives and know the risks, we can reduce the impact of diabetes. Now is the best time to start thinking about what we can do to prevent further cases of diabetes.