Diabetes is the Leading cause of Blindness

Diabetes is a lifestyle related disease which plagues millions worldwide. However, the associated risks of diabetes are even more disconcerting. Hypertension, heart attack, obesity and most importantly blindness are a direct result of diabetes.

A diabetic person can contract diabetes retinopathy which can lead to blindness. Diabetes retinopathy mainly hits adults. This diseases impairs the retina which is instrumental is allowing light to enter the eye. People who are above the age of 18 and are diagnosed with diabetes are at the highest risk of developing diabetes retinopathy. Retinopathy leads to decreased vision and eventually blindness. Diabetes also puts people at higher risk of contracting other eye illnesses such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Diabetes retinopathy can be successfully treated if diagnosed on time. Effective treatment of retinopathy lies in controlling the blood sugar level of a diabetic person and regular eye exams. However, if untreated later stage diabetes retinopathy can lead to complete blindness in 15 years.

Blindness is a risk of diabetes because of the disease's wide net. More than 24 million people in the United States of America alone are diabetics. There are millions of cases that go undiagnosed every year.

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