500,00 Diabetics In England At Risk Of Blindness

Fri, 09 Sep 2011

Half a million people with diabetes in England are at risk of losing their eyesight because they do not get proper checks, a charity has warned.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among the country’s adult population. While the number of people at risk of blindness has dropped from around 750,000 in 2008, Diabetes UK said many people are failing to have proper eye checks carried out such as retinal screening, which tests for diabetic retinopathy.

It added that those with the condition must ensure they are receiving 15 key services to help them keep healthy. These include getting blood glucose and cholesterol levels checked, having blood pressure and weight monitored, attending foot and leg health checks, and undergoing eye tests.

In the UK, there are 2.8 million people diagnosed with diabetes and an estimated 850,000 more have type 2 diabetes but are unaware of their condition.

Barbara Young, chief executive at Diabetes UK, said: "Diabetes is a serious condition which can lead to devastating long-term complications including blindness, kidney failure and amputations."

"The tragedy is that, for example, 90 per cent of cases of sight loss could have been avoided if they had been identified early enough and treated appropriately."

She added: "The 15 measures will help ensure people with diabetes are getting the care they need, and if they're not, Diabetes UK wants people to use the checklist and ask for the standards of care that have been recommended by expert bodies and patients across the UK."

"With the right care and education, there is no reason why people with diabetes shouldn't live long and healthy lives."

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