Diabetes is a difficult condition to manage.
Since it affects your blood it effects your entire body including your eyes.
Remembering all the tests that need to be done regularly can be a hard task but it is especially important to have your eyes checked every 6 months to a year.
Annual exams are important but when you have a condition like Diabetes many other complications can occur within your eyes in a very short time.
Annual eye exams can help with early detection on other conditions like, hypertension, heart conditions, Glaucoma, and Cataracts as well.
In this article we will talk about 3 tips to remember when dealing with Diabetes & Keratoconus.
Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a progressive condition that occurs when there is damage to the eye, causing distortions in your vision, and the change in shape of the cornea.
Keratoconus occurs in people ages 10-14 or 20-30's.
While Keratoconus can be diagnosed in those of all ages these are the most common.
There are several treatment options available now for those with Keratoconus.
Over the past decade they have reduced the number of corneal transplants needed for this condition.
(Which used to be the main treatment option for those with Keratoconus.
) Diabetes: Type 1 Type on Diabetes or other wise known as (Insulin Dependent) Diabetes requires the sufferer to be on insulin regularly.
The diabetic does not make insulin at all or very little and can not remove any of the sugar from the blood stream.
This can cause a diabetic coma in the patient not getting treatment.
It is usually diagnosed at a young age due to the build up of glucose in the blood.
It accounts for only 10% of those with Diabetes.
Type 2 Type 2 Diabetes accounts for more than 90% of those with Diabetes.
Type 2 is also called adult onset diabetes because it is generally found later in life.
This form means the patient can produce insulin but can not use the insulin properly.
This form is also known as Insulin Resistant Diabetes.
It body does not use the insulin to remove the glucose from the blood stream as it should.
So glucose continues to build up causing high readings.
Management of both type 1 and type 2 can be difficult and ensuring you have tight control over your blood glucose levels is an important step to treatment.
The excess sugar in the blood stream eats away at all that it touches and over time without proper control it can damage organs, blood vessels, and tissue.
Managing both Keratoconus & Diabetes can be a task but is necessary.
Ensuring that you continue to get regular check-ups and that you have good communication with your health care team can ensure you catch problems before they get too bad.
Tips to Remember Diabetes & Keratoconus Management Tip 1: Remember to check your numbers- Keeping your A1c less than 6.
1 is the best place to be.
Tip 2: Remember to have regular check ups with your PCP and your eye care professionals.
Eye exams should be administered every 6-12 months.
Tip 3: Eating a diet low in carbohydrates and sugars -(including natural sugars) can help you keep your levels under control.
Tip 4: stay on top of your treatment plans.
If you don't understand something simply ask.
It may sound "Dumb" to you but it is your health.
Tip 5: Check your blood sugar levels regularly- keep a log for your doctor to evaluate during each visit.