Diabetes & Your Eyes: Observing World Diabetes Day
At Nationwide Vision in Arizona, we understand the impact of diabetes on eye health. That's why care so much about World Diabetes Day on November 14th. We want to emphasize its importance and provide insights about diabetes. Check out our Diabetic Awareness Month blog for more information.
With over 400 million people affected by diabetes worldwide, it’s important to understand how to maintain healthy eyes.
World Diabetes Day
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) established World Diabetes Day in 1991 due to the growing number of diabetes cases. It falls on November 14th to honor Sir Frederick Banting, a Canadian scientist, on his birthday. Banting and Charles Best's discovery of insulin in 1922 revolutionized diabetes treatment. World Diabetes Day's objective is to educate a broad audience about diabetes. Diabetes can affect the body in many ways, including complications in the eyes, kidneys, and heart. The initiative aims to raise awareness about diabetes causes, identifiable symptoms, and prevention strategies.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
The main concern with diabetes and your eyes is that it can cause various eye problems. These then lead to vision problems or even blindness. One major issue is diabetic retinopathy, which damages the retina's blood vessels. On top of that, people with diabetes are more likely to develop conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. It’s important to catch any signs of these ailments early on.
How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Are You at Risk?
It's crucial to recognize that having diabetes puts your eyes at risk. Particularly if you've been living with diabetes for an extended period, face challenges in managing your blood sugar levels, or have a family history of specific eye conditions. Your susceptibility to developing these disorders is increased.
Live a Healthy Life
Staying healthy requires a combination of being physically active and eating healthy foods. Getting regular exercise helps your body use insulin better, which in turn helps control your blood sugar levels. Exercise also improves blood circulation. You need good circulation for your eyes to be their best. You want to make sure you have a healthy diet too. Seek out foods that are packed with nutrients, such as whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Remember, good nutrition and exercise work hand in hand to support your overall health.
Visit the Eye Doctor Every Year
Your eye doctor doesn’t want to see you every year just for fun, they care about your eye health. Our team can detect issues at an early stage, preventing their advancement. It’s important to schedule a yearly comprehensive eye exam because even if you haven't noticed any changes in your vision, diabetes might still be silently impacting your eyes.
Stay in the Know
Expanding your knowledge about diabetes and its impact on eye health is what World Diabetes Day is all about. You can learn valuable insights into effective diabetes management and preserving your vision. Keeping yourself informed about the latest research and treatment options is crucial if you have diabetes. It's worth noting that staying up to date with diabetes information and research should be a continuous effort, not just limited to World Diabetes Day or Diabetes Awareness Month.
Next Steps
World Diabetes Day presents an opportunity to share knowledge and learn about the effects of diabetes. By adopting healthier lifestyles and staying aware of the risks, we can lessen the impact of diabetes on our eyes. Take this day to consider diabetes and understand ways to prevent it altogether. And for those who already have it, there are methods to make life more manageable.
We have locations all across Arizona. No matter where you are in the state, quality eye care and comprehensive eye exams are always close!Reach out now to schedule an appointment at Nationwide Vision so you can give your eyes the treatment they need!
Not only can you get sunglasses from Nationwide Vision, but you can also invest in prescription sunglasses from us. With prescription sunglass lenses, you can improve your vision, protect your eyes, and make a fashion statement simultaneously.
Contact Nationwide Vision in Arizona Today
The team at Nationwide Vision is here to help you on your journey with diabetes. We want to help you learn more about what can do to protect your eyes if you have diabetes. Our team at Nationwide Vision is here to help you with all of your eye care needs. We have locations all across Arizona. No matter where you are in the state, quality eye care and comprehensive eye exams are never far away! Call or click today for more information about World Diabetes Day. Reach out to schedule an appointment at Nationwide Vision!