November is American Diabetes Month, when the American Diabetes Association spreads the word to those affected by diabetes about the benefits of keeping blood sugar levels closer to normal to prevent serious complications. Insulin is a hormone that allows blood sugar to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications, such as blindness, kidney and heart disease, stroke and amputations. These statistics are the reason for the Association's focus on the eyes and the feet during American Diabetes Month.
Diabetes can lead to an eye disease called retinopathy.
Retinopathy may cause vision loss or even blindness. If you catch problems early, you can save your sight. However, you may not have any symptoms. That is why it is important to take good care of your eyes. People who keep their blood sugar levels closer to normal are less likely to have retinopathy.