Creating Awareness: Visual Health in Diabetic Patients
More and more people are developing diabetes at an early age, which can be detrimental to visual health if not properly controlled with good habits.
On Monday, August 12, Dr. Irma Zamudio participated in a forum dedicated to the Prevention of Visual Health for Patients with Diabetes. More and more people are developing this disease at an early age, which can be detrimental to visual health if not properly managed with good habits.
Dr. Zamudio highlighted that patients often have elevated glucose levels without showing symptoms. This is concerning because eye problems typically manifest only after the person has had diabetes for five years, often without a diagnosis.
She shared that a very high percentage of the population might have this condition, considering both those who have been diagnosed and those who have not. In Baja California, 19% of the population is diabetic, but this figure in reality might be twice as much since only 1 in 2 are diagnosed in the country. This could potentially raise the percentage to 35% or even 45%.
The problem of diabetes has increased, and unfortunately, it is affecting patients’ visual health. This situation is a national concern for all ophthalmologists.
dr. irma zamudio
Another aspect contributing to the issue is the high population, both children and adults, with obesity problems. Reports of children with type 2 diabetes, which was not inherited but developed due to their diet, are alarming.
Unfortunately, the numbers have been rising. Initially, it was predicted that by 2030 there would be 18 million Mexicans with diabetes. Dr. Zamudio notes that this figure has unfortunately been reached earlier.
Today, the National Survey on Health and Nutrition (Ensanut) tells us that we already have 18 million. So yes, the problem of diabetes has increased, and unfortunately, what is being affected is visual health.
Dr. irma zamudio
She also stressed the importance of diabetic patients undergoing an eye exam at least once a year. Additionally, it is crucial to pay attention to any sudden changes in vision and schedule a visual examination, regardless of the date of the last exam, to detect and treat any developing conditions in a timely manner.
You can consult the event in the following publications: