Changes to the eye caused by diabetes are collectively known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes affects the eye in two ways, 1. The changing blood sugar levels affect the lens of the eye and blood vessels in the retina 2. Changes in the lens cause vision to blur with the changing blood sugar levels. The same fluctuations cause blood vessels to leak, including those in the eye. Diabetes can affect many organs, and an annual examination of the retina is important because it is a good indicator of overall vascular status. Patients with insulin dependent or type 1 onset diabetes don’t exhibit hemorrhages and exudates in the retina as early as patients with type 2. Early abnormalities in the center of the retina (macula) or in the peripheral blood vessels may be corrected with laser or other therapies.

Fluctuating vision caused by the change of sugar in the lens of the eye may be the first sign of diabetes along with extreme thirst and frequent urination. Insurance companies require primary care doctors to forward annual information, which includes an eye examination. Therefore, ophthalmologists are required to perform an annual eye care exam for diabetics. Many diabetics can actually improve through diet and exercise, of which both regulate their blood sugar and may require less medication. Diabetes represents a condition where there needs to be a strong partnership between patients and health care providers. It is often avoidable and manageable, and therefore it is important to recognize and treat it before profound complications such as diabetic retinopathy occur.

Dr. Abel


DailyStrength is excited to announce two "must see" webinars from one of our Knowledge Partners, Healthy Humans. Both free webinars will take place on Thursday, October 29, at 1pm EST and 8pm EST respectively.

To register, copy and paste the registration url into your browser. You must register for each event individually.

The mid-day webinar features Dr. Sylver Quevedo, Nephrologist and Diabetes Specialist, and Chris Conway, Expert Nutritionist and Founder of Healthy Humans.

When: Thursday, October 29, 2009 @ 1pm EST
Where: Click HERE to register for the mid-day session

Integrative Medicine and Diabetes: Proven approaches that can help you get better results!

• What is integrative medicine and why does it work so well
• Physiology and psychology: Treating your causes not just your symptoms
• Imagine having top integrative doctors at your finger tips
• Personalizing your health to achieve optimal health
• Live Q&A

Register TODAY!

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The evening webinar will feature Dr. William Kracht, Director of Family Practice and Chris Conway, Expert Nutritionist and Founder of Healthy Humans.

When: Thursday, October 29, 2009 @ 8pm EST
Where: Click HERE to register for the evening session

Power of Nutrition: Simplifying a complicated world

• How to eat effectively to stabilize your blood sugar
• What to eat what not to eat
• We’ll tell you what works for YOU based on your lifestyle, schedule, likes and dislikes.
• How to simplify and personalize your diet
• Live Q&A

Register TODAY!


While this and future webinars will remain free to members of DailyStrength, joining their program may involve some cost. DailyStrength is not compensated by Healthy Humans but we feel strongly about presenting good information to you, our members, and welcome partnerships like this one.

PaulDS