The Eye in Diabetes
The full medical name is Diabetes Mellitus (DM). It is mainly of two types :-
A Diabetic is more prone to get any kind of infection more easily than a normal person. Also the infection takes longer to clear up. People in their 50s getting recurrent Stye should get their blood sugar checked for Diabetes. The risk of blindness in Diabetics is 25 times greater than the normal person. Frequent fluctuations in blood sugars leads to earlier development of Cataract. Diabetics are more likely to develop inflammation of the eye after any surgery, esp. Cataract Surgery. Diabetics develop changes in the retina, called Diabetic Retinopathy (DMR). Optic Neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve can occur. The elderly Diabetics may get up in the morning and on looking in the mirror may see a 'crooked face' or inability to close one eye. This is due to a Nerve Palsy. Due to paralysis of one or more nerves, the muscles get affected, leading to disability. Consult the doctor, don't worry, most recover with time. What can I do to prevent these changes in my eye? Regular eye exams as advised by the AAO are the only way for early detection.
Diabetes was known to man in ancient times, thousands of years ago! It was the disease of "Sweet urine". The disease was detected easily because ants were attracted to the urine for the sugar!
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