Open your eyes to the dangers of Type-2 diabetes

Healthy lifestyle can prevent blindness, Harbir Sian says.

Type-2 diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss and acquired blindness in Canadians under the age of 50.

This disease seems to have nonchalantly found its way into the lives of so many Canadian families, but continues to be spoken about as if it’s a minor nuisance rather than a potentially serious illness. As if having high blood sugar is some sort of innocuous topic of discussion instead of a truly ominous indicator of poor health.

The most concerning and terrifying fact about diabetes is the insidious nature of its onset. By the time patients with Type-2 diabetes are diagnosed officially, they likely have had the disease for about five years already.

Over time, increased levels of glucose in the bloodstream cause damage to the small blood vessels in the back of the eye (retina). Eventually, this can lead to weakening of the blood vessel walls, resulting in leakage of blood and fluid into the retina. The primary condition related to vision loss — diabetic retinopathy — can have consequences of varying degrees. Patient symptoms can range from mild blurriness to severe vision loss due to conditions such as retinal detachments and large hemorrhages. Diabetes also can increase a person’s risk of developing other ocular conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Studies have shown that signs of diabetic retinopathy in Type-2 diabetics often can be detected even before blood-sugar levels reach diagnostic levels. This means regular, annual comprehensive eye exams can be vital in early diagnosis of the disease. During this examination, doctors often will use drops to dilate the patient’s pupils, allowing them to take a more detailed look at the retina.

As an optometrist, I have seen patients over the years on both ends of the diabetic retinopathy spectrum. On one end, I have seen the devastating long-term vision loss that can result from uncontrolled hyperglycemia, along with the decreased quality of life and the loss of hope that come with losing one’s eyesight. However, on the other hand, I have seen the incredible rejuvenation of patients who were once on the verge on significant ocular disease. I have seen patients make the necessary changes in their lifestyle that have led to weight loss, improved vision and overall better lives.

Diabetes contributes to 30 per cent of strokes, 40 per cent of heart attacks and 70 per cent of non-traumatic limb amputations. In fact, the effects of diabetes on the public healthcare system have been so dramatic, it has officials at Diabetes Canada calling it an epidemic and pleading with the federal government to develop a national strategy for intervention. Currently, more than 3.5 million Canadians are living with Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes.

That number is projected to reach more than 4.6 million people by 2028, a 32 per cent increase in one decade.

Finding a solution to the greater problem of the Type-2 diabetes epidemic seems like a daunting task, but we know prevention and early detection at any and every level of the health-care spectrum is the key.

Managing this epidemic will require a complicated and multifactorial approach by the government, the health-care system, and the public. However, if we narrow our focus, we will find that the starting point actually is quite clear. Start with yourself. Make the changes that you know are necessary to live a full, healthy life. Eat well, get some exercise and talk to your doctor. It can be done. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

By the time patients with Type-2 diabetes are diagnosed officially, they likely have had the disease for about five years already.