Diabetes and Your Vision

The Diabetes Problem:
The body runs out of insulin that is used to transport glucose from our bloodstream in our cells to be used for energy.
Due to obesity and lack of actvity - we consume more food than our body needs for energy.

Diabetes Management:
Dianogsis is by a simple blood test.
The aim of treatment is to maintain steady and low glucose levels in the bloodstream.
It's a team effort: patient has to make the effort - with help from GPs, practice nurses, diabetic nurses, other specialists.
Every diabetic patient has regular blood tests, feet checks and retinal checks.
Early intervention and good management = better outcomes, and less costs - otherwise the health system will be overwhelmed.
Diabetic database is managed by Rotorua Area Primary Health Service.
Each person with diabetes, or who may be borderline is registered by their GP - This ensures that everyone gets effective treatment.

Retinal screening in Rotorua, New Zealand:
All Rotorua people who have diabetes, or who are borderline, are eligible for free retinal screening checks.
It is very important for anyone who has diabetes to have regular checks of their eyes.
Variable glucose levels can cause blood vessels in the eye to leak and lead eye damage and eventually blindness if not treated.
Regular checks for a person who is not showing any signs of diabetic changes in their eyes occur every two years.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Diabetes
• Rotorua
• Eyecare
• Eyes
• Health
• Vision
• Eyesight
• Optometrist
• Optometrists