in the news: New research from dr. Elizabeth Lundeen is showing that as more and more Americans get diabetes–this in turn, is going to increase the number of Americans that are going to be at risk for blindness in the coming years.
Over 10 million Americans are at risk. Talking to your doctor about diabetic retinopathy isimportant. Getting a dilated eye exam once a year, at a minimumis recommended.
Diabetes can lead to blindness. You can prevent this!
The Health Standard Newswire
Doctor’s expert Insights about Managing Eye Health and Diabetes Health in Arkansas
Know this: “This study clearly highlights the scary trend that is becoming a reality–more and more people are getting diabetes. And, this puts more and more people at risk for the many side effects of diabetes. This is especially true for our younger population. If you have diabetes, you should know that your risk for blindness does go up;as does your risk for heart disease.I tell my patients to make sure that they get a dilated eye exam.We keep a very close eye on your blood sugars and A1c levels.The better we manage your diabetes, the less likely you’re going to develop retinopathy and other issues that come from having diabetes.” Puja Uppal, Family Medicine.
Next steps to take if you have diabetes: Keep an eye on your A1C levels. And understand that diabetes can harm many parts and systems of your body, including your eyes. Stay in touch with your doctor.
You should know that diabetes can lead to strokes and heart disease. As indicated in prior Health Standard articles, it’s important that you know yours ASCVD score. This test can provide guidance on how to reduce your risk of heart attack. (Visit Resource Here)
Living in Jonesboro, the following health facts impact your well-being directly!
Did you know there were 1466.0 deaths from diabetes in Arkansas in 2021?
20.6% of you in Craighead County smoke?
10.2% of you in Craighead County have diabetes?
11.8% of you in Craighead County feel that your health is not good.
All of these variables play an important role in your overall health and diabetic health.
Health Standard Newswire: JAMA/Ophthalmology. June 2023. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.2289
“Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the US… This study used data from nationally representative and local population-based studies that represent the populations in which they were conducted.For 2021, the study team estimated 9.60 million people (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 7.90-11.55) living with DR, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 26.43% (95% UI, 21.95-31.60) among people with diabetes. The study team estimated 1.84 million people (95% UI, 1.41-2.40) living with VTDR, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 5.06% (95% UI, 3.90-6.57) among people with diabetes. The prevalence of DR and VTDR varies by demographic characteristics and geography.” (Study Source)
O’CLOCK Ophthalmology published the findings: Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the US in 2021 (Read it Here)
The Health Standard Newswire
