Diabetes
Eyecare
Diabetes is caused when the body is no longer able to naturally produce insulin in response to increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia), or the insulin produced doesn’t work properly. There are 2 forms of diabetes:
- Type 1 – (insulin-dependent) usually manifests at an early age. Damage to cells within the pancreas inhibits the body’s ability to produce insulin meaning regular insulin injections are needed to help manage blood glucose levels.
- Type 2 – (non-insulin-dependent) usually manifests around the age of 50 and over. For most, it can be controlled by a good diet rather than requiring tablets or injections.
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What causes diabetes?
The blood-glucose levels of your body are usually insulin, a hormone which is produced by the pancreas.
As food is digested and the glucose enters your bloodstream, insulin is produced to move the glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it’s broken down to produce energy.
For Diabetics, their body is unable to break down glucose into energy, resulting in high blood glucose levels.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication caused by uncontrolled diabetes. Whilst it can take several years before it begins to affect the vision, if left untreated the high blood sugar levels will damage the retina resulting in blindness.
Anyone with diabetes should have an annual diabetic screening. During this assessment, the pupils are dilated and photos are taken of the optic nerve. These images are stored with your NHS records for annual comparison and to monitor any physical changes to the retina which may indicate a future retinal deterioration or detachment.
Diabetic screening is different to a normal eye test and diabetic patients must stay up to date with both checkups. As your Local Optician, we can provide a thorough eye examination to check both your eye health and vision, book your appointment today.
Diabetes is caused when the body is no longer able to naturally produce insulin in response to increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia), or the insulin produced doesn’t work properly. There are 2 forms of diabetes:
- Type 1 – (insulin-dependent) usually manifests at an early age. Damage to cells within the pancreas inhibits the body’s ability to produce insulin meaning regular insulin injections are needed to help manage blood glucose levels.
- Type 2 – (non-insulin-dependent) usually manifests around the age of 50 and over. For most, it can be controlled by a good diet rather than requiring tablets or injections.
Book an Eye Test Today
What causes diabetes?
The blood-glucose levels of your body are usually insulin, a hormone which is produced by the pancreas.
As food is digested and the glucose enters your bloodstream, insulin is produced to move the glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it’s broken down to produce energy.
For Diabetics, their body is unable to break down glucose into energy, resulting in high blood glucose levels.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication caused by uncontrolled diabetes. Whilst it can take several years before it begins to affect the vision, if left untreated the high blood sugar levels will damage the retina resulting in blindness.
Anyone with diabetes should have an annual diabetic screening. During this assessment, the pupils are dilated and photos are taken of the optic nerve. These images are stored with your NHS records for annual comparison and to monitor any physical changes to the retina which may indicate a future retinal deterioration or detachment.
Diabetic screening is different to a normal eye test and diabetic patients must stay up to date with both checkups. As your Local Optician, we can provide a thorough eye examination to check both your eye health and vision, book your appointment today.
