Eye complications form the focus of World Diabetes Day 2016

«Eyes on Diabetes» is the theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day, which is held on Monday 14 November and turns its attention to the eye problems the disease causes. Those affected by diabetes are at risk of developing conditions like diabetic retinopathy (DR) or diabetic macular oedema (DMO). The latter affects around 7% of diabetic patients and is the leading cause of blindness in the over-50s. DR, meanwhile, is the most common eye condition that results from diabetes, with some 35% of patients developing it.

Infographics by the International Diabetes Federation, 2016

People with diabetes have to undergo regular screening for the possible complications the disease causes. Risks to the eyes are monitored by controlling hyperglycaemia; it is necessary to keep blood sugar levels under control as this factor could delay the start and evolution of DR. Regular visits to the endocrinologist and ophthalmologist are vital to monitor the evolution of the disease.

People with diabetes have to undergo regular screening for the possible complications caused by the disease

World Diabetes Day, which is promoted by the International Diabetes Federation (FID), also aims to alert to the fact that one in every two people with Type 2 diabetes has not been diagnosed. Detection of the pathology is vital to modify development and reduce the risk of suffering from its complications.