Event focuses on diabetic eye care
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People with diabetes have to be especially vigilant about their eye care, because of complications that can arise from the disease.
To highlight the importance of eye health for those with diabetes, Backus Hospital's Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism is hosting a community program, "My Diabetes,My Vision: The Sneak Attack of Diabetic Retinopathy."
"We hope this will increase awareness of potential complications related to vision," said Jane O'Friel, RN, Education Coordinator for the Backus Diabetes Management Center. "There are preventative measures you can take, such as regular eye exams, and keeping your blood sugar under control."
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive inner layer of the eye. It is the leading cause of blindness in working-age Americans.
People with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are at risk for this condition. Having more severe diabetes for a longer period of time increases the chance of getting retinopathy.
Retinopathy is also more likely to occur earlier and be more severe if your diabetes is poorly controlled. Tight control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is very important for preventing diabetic retinopathy.
Kristie Lin, MD, who specializes in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, will discuss the condition and prevention. There also will be educational materials and products for the self-management of diabetes.
November is American DiabetesMonth, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness about the disease. According to the association, there are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes.
While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, 5.7 million people (or nearly one-quarter) are unaware that they have the disease.
The Backus Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology andMetabolism also offers an ongoing Diabetes Outpatient Self-Management Program. A healthcare provider referral is required for the group classes, which includes an initial assessment by certified diabetes educators, a registered nurse and a clinical dietitian. The four classes address the different components of self-care management for diabetes and includes follow-up contacts. Family members or significant others are encouraged to attend. Call the Diabetes Management Center at (860) 892-6906 and select the Patient Education Classes prompt for more information.
The department also hosts diabetes support groups - a daytime one that meets monthly and an evening group that meets every other month. Call (860) 892-6906 and leave a message on the Diabetes Patient Education line for more information.
If you want to go:
What: "My Diabetes, My Vision: The Sneak Attack of Diabetic Retinopathy."
When: Thursday, Nov. 5, from5-7 p.m.
Where: Backus Outpatient Care Center, 11 SalemTurnpike, Norwich.
For more information or to register for the free program: Call (860) 889-8331, ext. 4092. Registration is required.