World Diabetes Day Focuses On Preventing Diabetes-Related Eye Problems; ADA Joins Intl Diabetes Fed. in Celebrating Diabetes Day

11/14/2002

From: Mark Overbay of the American Diabetes Association, 703-549-1500 ext. 2290

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 14 -- Diabetes-related eye complications are unfortunately common, and if left untreated, can lead to the deterioration of vision and, ultimately, blindness. This year's World Diabetes Day theme, "Your Eyes and Diabetes: Don't lose sight of the risks," highlights the importance of detecting diabetes and diabetes-related eye problems and their risk factors early in order to delay or prevent further damage. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) joins the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in this effort to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations for people with diabetes.

Diabetes-related eye disease, or retinopathy, is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in adults in developed societies. About 2 percent of all people who have had diabetes for 15 years become blind, while about 10 percent of that group develop severe visual impairment. Nearly all people who have had type 1 diabetes for about 20 years will have evidence of retinopathy. Up to 21 percent of people with type 2 diabetes have retinopathy when they are first diagnosed with diabetes, and most will eventually develop some degree of retinopathy.

"The keys to preventing diabetes-related eye complications are good control of blood sugar, healthy eating choices and good eye care," said Francine Kaufman, MD, president of the American Diabetes Association. "Since a person with diabetes can have serious damage to their eyes and not know it, a yearly eye exam with an eye care professional is essential," said Dr. Kaufman.

In the United States, diabetes is responsible for 8 percent of legal blindness, making it the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age. Each year, from 12,000 to 24,000 people in the U.S. lose their sight because of diabetes. Glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal disease are also more common in people with diabetes and contribute to the high rate of diabetes-related blindness. Experts project that the current figure of 170 million people with diabetes worldwide will rise to more than 300 million by 2025.

Appropriately corresponding with the 2002 World Diabetes Day theme of "Your Eyes and Diabetes: Don't lose sight of the risks," an American Diabetes Association has released a new brochure, "Take Care of Yourself... Take Care of Your Diabetes," which encourages people with diabetes to get regular eye exams and keep their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels close to target. These steps can help people with diabetes prevent serious complications, such as blindness, cardiovascular disease and diabetes-related neuropathy.

This is the twelfth anniversary of World Diabetes Day. Sponsored by the IDF, World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14 in honor of one of the co-discoverers of insulin, Dr. Frederick Banting.

Diabetes is a group of serious diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin. It is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States, and can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputations.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country and provides services to hundreds of communities. For more information about diabetes and ADA, visit the Association's Web site at http://www.diabetes.org, or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is a non-governmental organization based in Brussels, Belgium. Its mission is to work with its 181 member associations to serve as a global advocate for people with diabetes and their healthcare providers. Visit the IDF Web site at http://www.idf.org.