Better Health. No Hassles.

“Sight for Life”

Diabetes

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• 17 million Americans have diabetes.

• About half of those people don’t know they have diabetes.

• Diabetes is the major cause of blindness among working age Americans

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Diabetes is a Serious Disease

• Diabetes can be a very serious disease if not controlled.

• Diabetes is the third leading cause of death.

• An epidemic!

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What is Diabetes?

• Diabetes affects the ability of our body to convert the food we eat into energy.

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Type 1 (Insulin Dependent) Diabetes

• Type I or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes– Requires insulin shots to live

– Usually starts under age 20

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Type 2 (Non-dependent) Diabetes

• Can often control their diabetes without using insulin.

• Adults over age 40 who are overweight and have a family history of diabetes.

• Now occurring more frequently in children and adolescents.

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When We Eat Food

• Food is converted into glucose.

• Glucose enters the bloodstream.

• Insulin helps to move glucose into cells

Liver

Pancreas

Stomach

Intestines

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How our Body Uses Food

• Insulin allows glucose to enter the cell.

The Cell

Insulin

Glucose Molecules

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Type 1 Diabetes

• Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cell.

• This person is “insulin-dependent”.

The Cell

Glucose Molecules

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Type 2 Diabetes

• Insulin does not work properly.

• Glucose buildup - “hyperglycemia”.

The Cell

Insulin

Glucose

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Symptoms of Diabetes

Frequent Urination

Unusual Thirst Blurred Vision

Fatigue

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Who Develops Type 1 Diabetes?

• Also called “Juvenile Diabetes”.

• Begins suddenly in persons under age 20.

• 10% of diabetes patients.

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Who Develops Type 2 Diabetes

• Usually occurs after age 40.

• Gradual appearance of signs and symptoms.

• Occurring more frequently in children.

• Half are unaware they have diabetes.

• 90% of diabetes patients.

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Who Is Likely to Develop Diabetes?

• Overweight

• Sedentary

• Family history of diabetes

• Advancing age

• Ethnic origin

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How Does my Optometrist Detect Diabetes?

• Symptoms– Blurred Vision

– Vision that Changes

– “Double Vision”

– Frequent Urination

– Thirst

– Fatigue

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How Does my Optometrist Detect Diabetes?

• Tests– History

– Visual Acuity

– Eye Movements

– Refraction

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How Does my Optometrist Detect Diabetes?

• Tonometry

• Retinal Exam through a Dilated Pupil

• Visual Field Test

• Blood Test for Glucose

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Complications of Diabetes

• #1 Cause of blindness

• #1 Cause of amputation

• #1 Cause of kidney failure

• Twice as many heart attacks

• Three times as many strokes

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Benefits of Preventing & Treating Diabetes

• Feel better

• Fewer symptoms

• Longer, healthier life

• Decrease the risk for complications of eye, foot, kidney, heart and nerve diseases

• A lifetime of good vision!

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Diabetes can be Prevented & Controlled

• Your Diabetes Team:– Optometrist

– Family Physician

– Podiatrist

– Dentist

– Diabetes Educator

– Retinal Specialist

– Dietitian

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Points to Remember

• If you or someone you know:– Has symptoms of diabetes

– Is overweight or sedentary

– Is over age 40

– Has a family history of diabetes

Call the Doctor!

Schedule a Checkup!

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How to Find an Optometrist

• To find a local Optometrist go to www.aoa.org home page. Click onto "Doctor Locator".

• Medicare beneficiaries can receive assistance in getting an eye exam by calling the “Diabetes Hotline” at 800-262-3947.

• Find more information on the American Optometric Association website: www.aoa.org.