Archived Diabetic Eye Disease Articles
Uncontrolled Diabetes On The Rise
20 million Americans have diabetes and Pennsylvania ranks as
having the eighth highest percentage of people nationally with
uncontrolled diabetes. These high levels are attributed to a high rural
population with limited access to health care and a large proportion of
seniors living in the state. High rates of uncontrolled diabetes are
particularly alarming to ophthalmologists as we have seen how
devastating effects of this disease can be on vision. Good control can
keep all these changes from occurring. That is why it is so important
for diabetics to monitor the foods they eat, exercise regularly, and
maintain regular visits to their doctors. All diabetics should know
their hemoglobin A1C levels because this is an index of long term blood
sugar control. Values of hemoglobin A1C below 6.5% are currently
considered as controlled levels of blood sugar. If you have diabetes or
have a family history of diabetes, it is recommended that an eye
examination be performed by an ophthalmologist at least once a year.
