A good diet and a healthy lifestyle are essential for our health and particularly our eyesight

To mark World Obesity Day and World Diabetes Day on 12 and 14 November respectively, we at the Institut de la Màcula wish to raise awareness of the importance of a good diet and regular sport for our health and particularly our eyesight.

Obesity is becoming an epidemic of global dimensions and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that every year the disease causes the deaths of at least 2.8 million people, both in developed and developing countries.

Diabetes is directly related to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. According to the WHO, there are over 357 million sufferers worldwide. It is also turning into an epidemic that is closely linked to excess weight, obesity and physical inactivity.

The lack of awareness about both diabetes and obesity is giving rise to an increasing number of cases around the world. In addition to cardiovascular problems, these pathologies are also associated with other complications, such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.