The Eyes have it
Preventing the nasty complications of type 2 diabetes is a subject really close to my heart. I couldn’t imagine losing my sight through diabetes and being unable to read, drive, cycle or make my craft projects. This is why I’m so passionate about helping people make the changes needed to avoid conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic maculopathy and diabetic macular oedema which can lead to a variety of problems including blurred vision, blank patches and even permanent sight loss.
The good news is that prevention of these conditions depend on a number of factors, many of which can be controlled:
Firstly, get regular eye tests which will help detect any problems before they fully develop allowing time for treatment.
Secondly, if you smoke, give up now! Smoking increases the risk of nerve damage as well as kidney and cardiovascular diseases. It also makes it much more difficult to manage conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Thirdly, take a critical look at your diet and other lifestyle habits:
Do you eat at least five portions of vegetables and fruit a day?
Do you eat oily fish every week?
Do you minimise the amount of sugar you eat, including in drinks, cakes, biscuits?
Do you incorporate movement within your day, maybe walking, swimming or dancing?
Are you above your ideal weight, maybe you've always had a few extra pounds or maybe ‘middle age spread’ has caught up with you?
If you aren’t sure how to take these steps, I can help you find a way through the confusion and get you motivated. Let's get together for a chat to get you on track to better health and help to protect your sight for the years to come.
