better health. no hassles. “sight for life” diabetes
TRANSCRIPT
Better Health. No Hassles.2
• 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
Better Health. No Hassles.3
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!
Better Health. No Hassles.4
What is Diabetes?
• Diabetes affects the ability of our body to convert the food we eat into energy.
Better Health. No Hassles.5
Type 1 (Insulin Dependent) Diabetes
• Type I or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes– Requires insulin shots to live
– Usually starts under age 20
Better Health. No Hassles.6
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.
Better Health. No Hassles.7
When We Eat Food
• Food is converted into glucose.
• Glucose enters the bloodstream.
• Insulin helps to move glucose into cells
Liver
Pancreas
Stomach
Intestines
Better Health. No Hassles.8
How our Body Uses Food
• Insulin allows glucose to enter the cell.
The Cell
Insulin
Glucose Molecules
Better Health. No Hassles.9
Type 1 Diabetes
• Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cell.
• This person is “insulin-dependent”.
The Cell
Glucose Molecules
Better Health. No Hassles.10
Type 2 Diabetes
• Insulin does not work properly.
• Glucose buildup - “hyperglycemia”.
The Cell
Insulin
Glucose
Better Health. No Hassles.11
Symptoms of Diabetes
Frequent Urination
Unusual Thirst Blurred Vision
Fatigue
Better Health. No Hassles.12
Who Develops Type 1 Diabetes?
• Also called “Juvenile Diabetes”.
• Begins suddenly in persons under age 20.
• 10% of diabetes patients.
Better Health. No Hassles.13
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.
Better Health. No Hassles.14
Who Is Likely to Develop Diabetes?
• Overweight
• Sedentary
• Family history of diabetes
• Advancing age
• Ethnic origin
Better Health. No Hassles.15
How Does my Optometrist Detect Diabetes?
• Symptoms– Blurred Vision
– Vision that Changes
– “Double Vision”
– Frequent Urination
– Thirst
– Fatigue
Better Health. No Hassles.16
How Does my Optometrist Detect Diabetes?
• Tests– History
– Visual Acuity
– Eye Movements
– Refraction
Better Health. No Hassles.17
How Does my Optometrist Detect Diabetes?
• Tonometry
• Retinal Exam through a Dilated Pupil
• Visual Field Test
• Blood Test for Glucose
Better Health. No Hassles.18
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
Better Health. No Hassles.19
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!
Better Health. No Hassles.20
Diabetes can be Prevented & Controlled
• Your Diabetes Team:– Optometrist
– Family Physician
– Podiatrist
– Dentist
– Diabetes Educator
– Retinal Specialist
– Dietitian
Better Health. No Hassles.21
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!
Better Health. No Hassles.22
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.