"Dear Doctor: Should I take weight loss drug with Type 1 diabetes and retinopathy?"

From oregonlive.com

Dear Dr. Roach: I’m a 73-year-old female who has Type 1 diabetes that began as Type 2 diabetes more than 30 years ago. I have a very strong family history of coronary artery disease, and I personally have a cardiac stent. I use an insulin pump and have good control with carb counting. I struggle with my weight (160 pounds at 5 feet, 2 inches tall) and with controlling my insulin dose. My A1C is 5.8%. I have ocular hypertension and some diabetic retinopathy. I receive Avastin injections in my eye approximately every two years.

My physician has ordered Mounjaro for weight loss. My concerns are my diabetic retinopathy and the diagnosis of Type 1 versus Type 2 diabetes. What are your thoughts on the safety of starting Mounjaro? -- C.D.C.

Answer: Type 1 diabetes is very different from Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and is an autoimmune disease that attacks the cells in the pancreas (islet cells), which make insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes have very little to no insulin.

People with Type 2 diabetes make normal or even high amounts of insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the primary problem is resistance to insulin. Insulin can be used, but newer therapies are designed to reduce insulin needs.

Many people with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) are initially misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and I suspect that this is your actual diagnosis. A diagnosis of LADA is typically made after age 30. (It sounds like you had problems beginning around age 40.) There’s no insulin requirement for at least six months, and blood tests confirm the presence of islet-cell antibodies. People with LADA usually have Type 1 diabetes.

You have disease in both the small blood vessels (Avastin is used for diabetic retinopathy, a small vessel disease) and large vessels (the stent in your coronary artery), which can happen with either type of diabetes but is consistent with Type 1. There’s strong evidence that GLP-1 drugs are helpful in preventing heart attacks in people with Type 2 diabetes but not for those with Type 1 (although they still may be helpful).

Your question is about the use of tirzepatide (Mounjaro when used for diabetes) for Type 1 diabetes. Your A1C is in the nondiabetic range; I don’t recommend new medication to lower your A1C further, so it seems like you’d be using it for weight. The expert opinion does recommend medicines like tirzepatide for weight loss in people with Type 1 diabetes who are obese, but your BMI of 29.3 doesn’t meet the definition of obese.

So, there is a safety issue in that even modest doses of Mounjaro could cause a drop in your blood sugar. Having an insulin pump (especially when combined with a continuous glucose monitor) can reduce this risk. But if you do go on Mounjaro, you should pay careful attention and regulate your carbohydrate intake to avoid ketosis (ketones in the urine, which show inadequate cellular nutrition and put you at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis). The normal dose escalations used for obesity or for Type 2 diabetes may be too aggressive, so your doctor should increase the dose very slowly.

You may also be at a higher risk for the nausea and vomiting that is common among people taking GLP-1 agents, although most people with Type 1 diabetes did develop a tolerance to the drug. In summary, Mounjaro may be effective at helping you lose weight, although your blood sugar and ketone levels should be monitored by an expert.

https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2026/07/dear-doctor-should-i-take-weight-loss-drug-with-type-1-diabetes-and-retinopathy.html 

Diabetes isn’t just about sugar, it impacts every organ

From gulfnews.com

Dr Uwe Dalichow

Eyes, kidneys, heart and nerves are particularly at risk 

When people hear diabetes, they think blood sugar, diet, and medication. In fact, diabetes is a condition that affects the whole body. Over time, it can quietly impact several organs, in particular your eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves, and more.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death globally. In the UAE, where chronic diseases are rising, underestimating diabetes can have real consequences. For roughly 16 per cent of adults living with diabetes, complications can limit independence, reduce quality of life, and increase healthcare needs - often before symptoms are obvious.

Silent Damage from Diabetes

High blood sugar and high blood pressure can affect small and large blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain.

· Eyes: Damage to tiny retinal vessels can lead to diabetic retinopathy and more than 60 per cent of people with type-2 diabetes develop it. Without treatment, it can progress to a more serious condition: diabetic macular edema (DME) which is a build-up of fluid that blurs central vision. Vision changes often arrive without pain or early warning with the resulting impact even more profound and life-changing, including vision loss, inability to work and severe limitation of independence. But timely treatment can stabilize or even improve sight.

· Kidneys: Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Early kidney changes are silent, which is why screening matters. An estimated 40 per cent of people with diabetes develop CKD, which itself has stages (1-5). While CKD can be detected in earlier stages, patients may only see symptoms at stage 3 and at stage 5, patients require dialysis.

· Heart: Diabetes raises cardiovascular risk by 2-4 times. The combination of heart failure and other cardiovascular risks is a highly prevalent finding among people with diabetes in the UAE.

· Nerves: Diabetes damages nerves - especially in the feet, impacting balance, sensation, and mobility. This is known as diabetic neuropathy.

· Liver: High blood sugar leads to fat accumulation in the liver, which, if left untreated, can progress to liver scarring and liver failure.

While all this may sound alarming, early detection and treatment can make all the difference, yet many people living with diabetes simply don’t know that they need to ask for it.

What early action looks like

Most diabetes-related complications can be detected early through routine tests. You may ask your doctor about eye exams to detect any retinal vessel damage. Urine tests and specific kidney and liver function blood tests can identify onset or risk of CKD and liver disease. A lipid profile can help detect cardiovascular disease risk.

Because we require these whole-body assessments to help patients with diabetes, it is easy to see why an integrated care approach matters.

The UAE is building a more connected model of care

An integrated care model requires seamless exchange of data between care providers. In many health settings, this coordination is not easy to achieve, but in the UAE, health authorities are actively working towards this goal, as evidenced by recent initiatives.

In 2024, Emirates Health Services rolled out AI-based retinal imaging across multiple emirates, screening thousands of patients with diabetes and referring high-risk cases swiftly. With the expansion of health information exchanges such as Malaffi in Abu Dhabi and NABIDH in Dubai, the potential for integrated data sharing across hospitals is growing, helping physicians identify risks earlier and coordinate care across specialties.

Even when a patient does not have access to integrated care, they can still have the conversation with their healthcare provider to discuss and understand their risks. And this will only happen when patients view diabetes as more than just uncontrolled blood sugar.

A call to broaden how we see diabetes

Too often we treat diabetes as nothing more than a number on a glucose meter. That mindset misses the point: diabetes affects the eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves and more. When we recognize it as a systemic condition and act accordingly through prevention, routine screening and coordinated care, we can stop decades of preventable harm.

If you are someone living with diabetes: consult with your physician for proactive management of your blood sugar, and regular eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves checks instead of waiting for symptoms to appear.

With proactive care, we can change the story of diabetes – from delayed detection of the systemic effects of diabetes to early action and healthier future.

Important note: This article is for general awareness and does not replace medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

- The author, Uwe Dalichow is Head of Region EMA and Country Division Head MENA, Pharmaceuticals Division, Bayer

https://gulfnews.com/gn-focus/company-news/diabetes-isnt-just-about-sugar-it-impacts-every-organ-1.500440595

Medical Compass: Protecting your vision when you have diabetes

From tbrnewsmedia.com

By David Dunaief, M.D.

A serious complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is the leading cause of blindness among U.S. adults. DR develops when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to blurred vision and even permanent blindness, often in both eyes.

Despite the risks, many people with diabetes are not getting regular eye care. As of 2023, only about 66 percent of adults with diabetes received the recommended annual eye exam. This is concerning because early detection makes a huge difference. When DR is caught early, treatments are far more likely to prevent or limit lasting vision loss.

                                                                                                                                   METRO photo

A common complication: diabetic macular edema

A serious consequence of diabetic retinopathy is diabetic macular edema (DME). With DME, fluid builds up in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Swelling in this area can significantly impair eyesight, making everyday activities like reading or driving difficult.

People who have had diabetes for many years face the highest risk for DME. Unfortunately, symptoms often do not appear until the condition is advanced. By then, some of the damage may already be irreversible.

How is diabetic macular edema treated?

Treatments for DME often include eye injections of anti-VEGF medications, sometimes combined with laser therapy. These medications block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that contributes to abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye. This can slow disease progression and, in some cases, improve vision.

A randomized controlled trial found that injections of ranibizumab (Lucentis), used alongside laser treatment—whether the laser was given immediately or delayed—were effective in treating DME. Other treatment options may include anti-inflammatory eye drops, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids, which aim to reduce swelling in the macula.

Do diabetes medications reduce the risk of DME?

Surprisingly, medications used to treat type 2 diabetes do not necessarily reduce DME risk. In fact, some may increase it. The THIN trial, a large retrospective study, found that a class of diabetes drugs called thiazolidinediones—which includes Avandia and Actos—was linked to a higher incidence of DME compared to patients who did not use these medications.

After one year, 1.3 percent of patients taking these drugs developed DME, compared with just 0.2 percent of those who were not taking them. This increased risk continued throughout 10 years of follow-up. The FDA has also issued warnings about other serious side effects associated with this drug class.

The risk appeared even higher in patients who used both thiazolidinediones and insulin. However, researchers could not determine whether the increased risk was caused by the medications themselves or by more severe diabetes.

Not all studies agree. An ACCORD Eye sub-study did not find a link between thiazolidinediones and DME. That study examined retinal photographs from almost 3,000 participants. Both studies had limitations, including incomplete data on how long patients had taken the medications and how well their blood sugar was controlled. Researchers also noted that not all potential influencing factors could be accounted for.

Can diet and blood sugar control help protect vision?

Better blood sugar control does appear to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy. The main ACCORD trial showed that intensive glucose control using medications lowered the risk of DR progression. However, this approach also increased overall mortality and did not reduce major cardiovascular events.

These results suggest an important takeaway: how blood sugar is controlled matters. A nutrient-dense, plant-based diet that helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels may lower your risk of diabetic retinopathy and further vision loss—without the added risks seen with medication-intensive approaches.

Protecting your vision

If you have diabetes, the most effective way to protect your eyesight is to keep your blood sugar well controlled and to schedule yearly eye exams with an ophthalmologist. Regular screenings can identify problems early, when treatment is most effective and vision loss may still be preventable. This is especially important for people taking thiazolidinediones or those who have had diabetes for many years.

Because your eyes are often affected long before you notice symptoms, it’s important to stay proactive. It can make the difference between preserving your vision and losing it.

https://tbrnewsmedia.com/medical-compass-protecting-your-vision-when-you-have-diabetes/ 

Guarding Your Independence With Type 2 Diabetes: 7 Risks and Solutions

From everydayhealth.com

Type 2 diabetes doesn’t necessarily lead to a loss of independence on its own. But diabetes complications such as vision loss, muscle weakness, and cognitive decline can make it harder to maintain your quality of life on your own.

Mitigating and avoiding these risks starts with blood sugar control and weight management, but good diabetes management can go a step further. Other solutions can include exercising, sleeping right, and even staying socially active.

1. Risk: Vision Loss

Eyesight can be an essential part of maintaining your quality of life. But poorly managed blood sugar increases your risk of diabetic retinopathy, damage to the blood vessels in your eye’s retina that can lead to vision loss and blindness.

When insulin isn’t working effectively, too much sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, this can damage blood vessels throughout the body, says Charles Barron Jr., MD, chief medical officer of Friend Health, a provider for medically underserved communities in Chicago. 

“The eyes have very small blood vessels, and when we can't get blood flow to them, cellular death starts to occur,” Dr. Barron says.

More than 9.5 million people in the United States have diabetic retinopathy, including 26 percent of people with diabetes. It threatens the vision of 1.84 million of those people, about 5 percent of people with diabetes.

About 1 in 14 people with diabetes also develop diabetes-related macular edema, swelling in the macula (the central part of your retina) that can lead to blindness. It is the leading cause of vision loss among people with diabetes, says Jennifer Cheng, MD, chief of endocrinology at Hackensack Meridian Health in Neptune, New Jersey. 

Solution: Get Your Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Under Control

Managing your blood sugar effectively is key for reducing your risk of diabetes complications, and vision loss is no exception. If you have hypertension, or high blood pressure, lowering your blood pressure could slow the progression of vision issues. Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, losing excess weight, and taking prescribed medication can help. Injections or lasers can also treat macular edema.

2. Risk: Muscle Weakness (Sarcopenia)

Age-related loss of muscle mass and function, or sarcopenia, affects more than half of people age 80 and older. It can lead to depression, falls, and bone fractures, all of which can reduce your ability to get around on your own.

Type 2 diabetes can speed up this process, which makes it harder for you to control your blood sugar and to be physically active — leading to additional diabetes complications.

In fact, more than 22 percent of people age 50 and older with type 2 diabetes have sarcopenia, compared with 8.8 percent of people who do not have type 2 diabetes. Dr. Cheng says that the following factors contribute to this increased risk of muscle breakdown:

• Insulin resistance
• Chronic inflammation
• Increased accumulation of harmful substances in muscle fibres caused by high blood sugar 

Your risk may be greater if you have the following conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Low calcium levels
• Nerve damage
• Low amount of physical activity

Solution: Strength-Building Exercise

Regardless of your age, building strength can help maintain muscle mass and manage type 2 diabetes. Two or three resistance-training sessions each week can improve blood sugar control and help your body use insulin efficiently. You don’t even need to go to the gym and use heavy equipment to get results. Barron recommends using a can of food as a dumbbell and performing flexing exercises (think curls or overhead presses) to maintain strength. 

3. Risk: Foot Problems

People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of foot issues, from poor circulation to rare and serious conditions such as Charcot foot, that make it difficult or impossible to walk. About 15 percent of people with diabetes get diabetic foot ulcers, usually on the bottom of the foot. Although often preventable, they can lead to amputation in 14 to 24 percent of cases.

Foot issues can be the result of nerve damage or peripheral artery disease, which can reduce blood flow in your feet and can make it harder for foot sores to heal.

“The toes have very small blood vessels, and when circulation is compromised, these areas are particularly vulnerable,” says Barron, adding that doctors typically check your toes and feet for sensation changes and look for evidence of decreased blood flow.

Solution: Daily Foot Care

Wear shoes or socks around the house, and avoid going barefoot or exposing your feet to extreme temperatures, Barron says. Check your feet every day to prevent small problems from becoming large ones. If you develop a foot sore or ulcer, preventing infection by keeping it clean, bandaged, and medicated (when prescribed) is your best bet to avoid complications. Your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist or wound-care specialist for additional treatment.

4. Risk: Severe Hypoglycaemia

Medications that treat type 2 diabetes can lower blood sugar levels, but they can also cause levels to drop too low, known as hypoglycemia. These medications include sulfonylureas and insulin.

Symptoms include hunger, shakiness, and confusion. Though mild cases of hypoglycaemia can be treated with a sugary snack or drink, severe cases of hypoglycaemia cause a risk of losing consciousness, Barron says.

If you are at least 70 years old and have type 2 diabetes, you have an increased risk of being hospitalized for severe hypoglycaemia while taking insulin or sulfonylureas. The risk increases with age.

Solution: More Blood Sugar Testing

Testing blood sugar more frequently helps you make better decisions about medication. Barron says that doctors may monitor your blood sugar levels remotely to gauge blood sugar control more accurately. Continuous glucose monitors give you real-time updates and alarms so you can learn quickly if you have hypoglycaemia.

5. Risk: Chronic Fatigue

“Chronic fatigue is a prevalent and often overlooked symptom in type 2 diabetes, significantly eroding quality of life,” Cheng says. 

This is because high blood sugar from untreated type 2 diabetes affects your ability to convert sugar into energy. The build-up of sugar also causes your kidneys to work harder, leading to frequent urination that can interrupt your sleep.

Being overweight or having obesity can contribute to fatigue, as your body may have to work harder to perform everyday tasks.

Sleep comes into play, as well. People with type 2 diabetes often sleep poorly and wake frequently during the night, Barron says. These sleep issues, including obstructive sleep apnoea and insomnia, can contribute to fatigue.

Solution: Good Sleep Hygiene

Prioritize habits that lead to better sleep:

• Don't use electronic devices before bed.
• Exercise during the day.
• Keep blood sugar and blood pressure levels consistent.
• Limit daytime naps of more than 30 minutes.
• Create a comfortable sleep environment, free of light and noise.

In addition, talk to your doctor about getting tested and potentially treated for sleep apnea, a condition in which your airway is completely or partially obstructed during sleep. About 7 in 10 people with type 2 diabetes have obstructive sleep apnoea, which your healthcare team can help you treat.

6. Risk: Cognitive Decline

Losing mental function, such as memory, language, reasoning, and judgment, can limit your ability to do things on your own. Cognitive impairment increases as you age, and it is more common in people with type 2 diabetes, especially those age 65 and older. Risk factors may include obesity, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular complications of diabetes.

Informally, the progressive brain disorder Alzheimer’s disease is sometimes called type 3 diabetes. The long-term blood sugar problems linked to diabetes may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and speed memory loss by interfering with how brain cells function.

“Insulin resistance can impair brain cell function and communication,” Cheng says. “If there is not enough sugar in the brain, then there could be damage, especially with severe hypoglycaemia.”

Solution: Brain Stimulation

Maintaining stable blood sugar and staying mentally active can support brain health and functional independence, Barron says. Stimulating activities for your brain include playing cards or board games, learning a new language, trying a new recipe, visiting a new vacation spot, and even planning a dinner party. Trying new things can help your brain form new connections.

7. Risk: Social Isolation

Loneliness can affect quality of life and independence in many ways: Not only can it increase the risk of cognitive decline and conditions such as type 2 diabetes but it also affects mental health — with lonely people being twice as likely to get depressed.

People with type 2 diabetes are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, with nearly 20 percent of people with the condition also experiencing intense loneliness.

“From a social perspective, people may decline to go out because they feel like they're not going to be able to eat freely, they're embarrassed because they may have to check blood sugar, or [they experience] different social aspects that can impact whether they want to spend time with others,” Barron says. 

People who feel isolated or lonely are more likely to develop diabetes-related problems such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye damage than those who are more socially connected. In fact, the risk is about as strong as those associated with smoking, high blood pressure, and low physical activity.

Solution: Explore and Expand Your Community

To get a sense of belonging, take a class to learn something new with others, schedule time each day to stay in touch with family or friends, consider adopting a pet if you can care for one, introduce yourself to your neighbours, or join a community cause to get involved. It's also important to educate your family members and friends about type 2 diabetes so they can help you navigate certain situations, without putting pressure on you to do something you can’t because of the disease, Barron says. 

The Takeaway

• Effective management of type 2 diabetes, including control of your blood sugar level and weight, can substantially reduce the risk of complications that threaten your independence.
• If you do not control your blood sugar well, you may risk changes to your vision, muscle mass, and cognitive abilities, as well as foot problems, hypoglycaemia, and fatigue.
• In addition to good blood sugar control and metabolic health, solutions such as ensuring that your blood pressure is under control, exercising, and even staying socially active can help mitigate risks of complications.
• Talk to your healthcare team about the best ways to manage your type 2 diabetes and what change you can make to maintain and improve your quality of life.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/guarding-your-independence-with-type-2-diabetes/ 

The Quiet Epidemic: Why People With Diabetes Lose Their Sight

From mynewstouse.com

For the nearly 40 million Americans living with diabetes, the threat to their vision unfolds quietly, often without warning. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication that damages blood vessels in the retina, has become the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the United States. Yet what makes this epidemic particularly tragic is that it doesn’t have to be this way. 

“The vast majority of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is preventable,” said Janice C. Law, MD, retina specialist in Tennessee. “Studies show that regular eye examinations and timely interventions can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by 90 percent.” 

Still, many Americans are falling through the cracks. Only about 60 percent of people with diabetes receive the annual dilated eye examinations recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a shortfall driven by lack of access, awareness, and time. 

Expanding Access to Care 

If you or someone you care about has diabetes, schedule a dilated eye exam today. Uninsured or underinsured? See if you qualify for a no out-of-pocket cost medical eye exam through EyeCare America®. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists, physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care, with eligible patients aged 18 and older who need eye care. Visit www.aao.org/eyecare-america to learn more. 

                                   People with diabetes are particularly at risk for vision problems and should see an eye doctor regularly

When to See a Doctor 

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often presents no symptoms at all—a fact that underscores the importance of preventive screening rather than waiting for problems to emerge. 

“Even if your vision seems fine, a yearly dilated eye exam is important,” said Dr. Law. “By the time patients notice flashing lights, blurred vision, floating spots, or other warning signs, the disease may have already progressed significantly.” 

When should a person with diabetes have an eye exam? 

If you have type 1 diabetes, you should have eye examinations at least yearly beginning 5 years after being diagnosed with diabetes. Your ophthalmologist may recommend more frequent examinations. 

If you have type 2 diabetes, you should see an ophthalmologist at least yearly as soon you are diagnosed, regardless of your age. Follow your eye doctor’s recommendation about how often you should be rechecked, as this varies for every individual. You may need to have your eyes checked more often than once a year. 

But diabetes isn’t the only reason to see an ophthalmologist. All healthy adults should have a comprehensive eye exam by age 40 when early signs of cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration?may begin to emerge. 

“Forty is typically when subtle signs of eye disease begin to emerge,” Laura C. Fine, MD, chair of EyeCare America, explained. “Many times, people don’t even notice any changes to their vision during these early phases of disease. However, vision-saving treatments are most effective when the disease is caught early.” 

The Treatment Gap 

Ophthalmologists have more tools than ever before for diagnosing and treating eye diseases. But these innovations cannot help patients whose disease goes undiagnosed or who remain unaware of their condition’s severity. 

The message is clear: The technology to save sight exists. What’s needed now is making sure that everyone who needs it can access it in time. 

https://www.mynewstouse.com/stories/untitiled,37792 

Chicago: Prevent Blindness Launches New Resources to Educate Public on the Effects Diabetes has on Vision

From prnewswire.com

CHICAGO, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prevent Blindness, the nation's leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, is offering new resources to the public as part of its Diabetes-related Eye Disease Month in November.

According to the study, "Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the US in 2021," approximately one in four Americans ages 40 and older with diabetes have Diabetic Retinopathy. A higher percentage of Black (8.7 percent) and Hispanic (7.1 percent) individuals with diabetes are at risk for vision loss compared to their White (3.6 percent) counterparts. There are significant variations by state and county which reflect related factors such as access to eye care and resources.

Diabetic retinopathy can lead to other serious vision problems including diabetes-related macular edema, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. And, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.

Fortunately, the risk of vision loss and blindness from diabetes-related eye disease can be significantly lessened if it is detected and treated early. That's why Prevent Blindness is offering free educational resources that include webpages, fact sheets and social media graphics in English and Spanish, and a variety of educational videos.

New this year, Prevent Blindness is launching the Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library offering free, 24/7 access to critical diabetes eye health information, accessible via voice commands in both English and Spanish. Patients or care partners are invited to call 1-833-998-5850 for medically vetted information on diabetes-related eye disease, eye exam preparation and scheduling, condition management strategies, and specialized guidance for pregnant patients and the newly diagnosed. Co-created with patients and providers, and supported by funding from Regeneron and Genentech, this resource is designed to provide prevention information accessible to diverse audiences.

For eye care providers, Prevent Blindness will also soon be releasing a modular education program focused on patient-centred, bias-free diabetes and vision care. Working with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology's ophthalmic allied health professionals Continuing Education (CE) program as well as the American Optometric Association's paraoptometric CE program, this new effort works to identify gaps in care and patient experiences. This program is also made possible through funding support from Regeneron and Genentech.

As part of theJuvenile Diabetes and Vision Health resource, new "Diabetes + Your Eyes: Vision Health in Youth" fact sheets (available in English and Spanish) are available including "Diabetes: Be Your Teen's Vision Hero!" and "Diabetes: Your Vision, Your Life." These resources are supported by funding from UnitedHealthcare.

The Prevent Blindness Diabetes-related Eye Disease video series includes a variety of educational videos designed for the public.

• The Patient Perspective: Diabetes-related Eye Disease
• Diabetes and Your Eyes ABCs
• Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes: What you need to know about your eyes
• Introduction to the Diabetes + the Eyes Educational Toolkit

An upcoming new Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health podcast will host a special roundtable discussion about diabetes and eye health. Guests include Rajeev S. Ramchandran, MD, MBA, associate professor of ophthalmology at University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute; Talana Townsend, president of Visually Impaired Advocates - Houston; and Nita Sinha, senior director, Public Health at Prevent Blindness.

Finally, Prevent Blindness recently assembled its new Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee. The all-volunteer committee brings together leaders from eyecare and public health, patient advocates, diabetes-education professionals, and more. Among many of the group's charges are improving diabetes and eye health programs and education, increasing access to quality eye care and treatment, drafting and advancing federal and state policy, and promoting research and surveillance.

"By educating patients on how to prevent vision loss from diabetes and implementing systems and programs that increase access to eye care across the United States, we will empower millions of patients with diabetes to avoid unnecessary vision loss and blindness," said Dr. Ramchandran, member of the Prevent Blindness Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee.

For general diabetes-related eye disease information, please visit http://preventblindness.org/diabetes. For more information on Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library, visit https://preventblindness.org/audio-library

For a free listing of organizations and services that provide financial assistance for vision care in English or Spanish, please visit https://preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/. 

About Prevent Blindness 

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at PreventBlindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-part-of-novembers-diabetes-related-eye-disease-month-prevent-blindness-launches-new-resources-to-educate-public-on-the-effects-diabetes-has-on-vision-302596874.html