In the early stages of the disease, there are often no symptoms or pain. However, as the disease progresses, individuals can experience blurred vision, specks of blood or spots in their vision, vision loss, and even blindness.

There are four stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, they are:

1. Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy:  This is the early stage of the disease.  In this stage, swelling occurs in the retina’s blood vessels
2. Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy:  In this stage, some blood vessels that supply the retina become blocked.
3. Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy:  In this stage, more blood vessels supplying the retina become blocked and the eye then starts to grow new blood vessels.
4. Proliferative Retinopathy:  This is the advanced stage of the disease.  The new blood vessels have thin walls and grow along the retina and the gel that fills the inside of the eye.  If these blood vessels break, it can result in vision loss and even blindness.

Populations at Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy

• People with Type I diabetes
• People with  Type II diabetes
• Some pregnant women with diabetes

Controlling blood sugar, blood, pressure, and cholesterol are key in preventing progression of the disease.  In the latter stages of diabetic retinopathy, someone may undergo laser surgery and a virectomy (removal of the blood from the center of the eye).  Check out the National Eye Institute to learn more about treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy.

Source:  National Eye Institute

Picture Source:  Soundbytes.com

It’s crucial for a diabetic to know their blood sugar levels.  A talking blood glucose monitor makes monitoring your blood sugar easy by speaking your numbers.  They are especially beneficial for individuals with low vision or blindness.  In fact, with proper documentation from your ophthalmologist, Medicare Part B and some private insurance policies will cover the cost of a talking blood glucose meter for people who meet the criteria for being legally blind.

Source:  Diabetes Self Management

November is National Diabetes Month

It’s estimated that 23.6 million people in the US have diabetes.  17.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease and another 5.7 million are unaware that they are diabetics.  November is National Diabetes month.  The American Diabetes Association has a national movement this month to Stop Diabetes. In recognition of this, The Aging Suite will be discussing issues that affect older individuals with diabetes.  Diabetes impacts the entire body including a person’s sensation and vision.  The Aging Suite hopes to help empower people by educating them about diabetes and its effects on the body.  While having diabetes can impact someone’s ability to age in place, it doesn’t have to stop it.

Type I Diabetes:

Insulin is a hormone needed to change carbohydrates and other foods into energy.  When someone has diabetes, their body doesn’t produce or correctly use insulin.

It’s estimated that 5-10% of the US population has Type I Diabetes.  Type I Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not produce insulin.

Symptoms of type I diabetes can include:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Extreme Hunger
• Increased thirst and urination

Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Type II Diabetes is a chronic condition and the most common form of diabetes.  It occurs when there is an excess of sugar in the bloodstream and the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas doesn’t produce sufficient amounts of insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.  Diabetes can impact all of the body’s organs.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

• Weight loss
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections and/or slow healing sores

Having a family history of the disease, excessive body weight, and inactivity increases the likelihood of getting the disease.  Also, American Indians, Asian Americans, African Americans and Hispanics, have a higher incidence of the disease as do adults over the age of 45.

According to the American Diabetes Association:

• There is a greater risk for stroke among people with Diabetes, as much as 2 to 4 times higher
• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness for adults ages 20-74
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure
• Diabetes can result in  nerve damage
• The incidence of amputations is 10 times greater for individuals with diabetes than for non diabetics
• Its estimated that  one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease
• Having diabetes makes you more susceptible to other illnesses

People with diabetes may face challenges to aging in place, but they can still do so successfully and safely.  Check out this week’s Technology in the Suite to learn about assistive technology that can benefit someone with diabetes.  Visit the site in future weeks as we talk more about diabetes and share tips and technology that can benefit anyone with diabetes.

Sources: The American Diabetes Association and MayoClinic.com