November is American Diabetes Month

As you dive into Thanksgiving dinner today, keep in mind that November is American Diabetes Month and people with diabetes are encouraged to have a dilated eye exam to help detect and possibly prevent eye disorders that might lead to blindness. Diabetes causes the body to not use and store sugar properly which results in a multitude of health problems including vision problems. Diabetes causes 12,000 - 14,000 people in the United States to lose their vision every year. Almost 26 million people in the United States have diabetes and another 7 million American have yet to be diagnosed. People with diabetes should have a dilated examination every year and possibly more frequently depending on their doctor's recommendations. Diabetic eye disease often does not have any visual signs. A dilated eye exam allows the doctor to examine the retina for early warning signs of diabetic eye disease and begin a course of treatment to help preserve vision. Diabetics have a much higher risk of developing eye diseases including glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.