People with Type 1 diabetes are less likely to lose their eyesight than in the past, according to recently released research.
One of the most devastating complications of the disease — diabetic retinopathy – causes damage to the eye’s blood vessels and can result in blindness, according to a recent article in Reuters Health. Better blood sugar control, as well as improved treatment and detections of retinopathy have contributed to this trend, researchers say.
The study, which took place between 1980 and 2007, involved 955 Wisconsin residents with Type 1 diabetes. All study participants were diagnosed with Type before the age of 30. Researchers
For example, 16% of study participants that were diagnosed prior to 1960 and have had diabetes for 30 to 34 years experienced visual impairment. Meanwhile, that number dipped to just 9% for those diagnosed between 1970 and 1974. Researchers noted similar trends for participants that have had diabetes for fewer years.
Medical experts recommend that diabetics get their eyes checked out at least once a year in order to monitor their eyes and potentially detect any problems early.
To receive free news updates from Diabetes News Hound delivered straight to your Inbox, sign up here. If you already receive the free Alerts, spread the word by telling a friend to sign up here.
