Uncontrolled diabetes can be detrimental for eye, brain health, say experts

Diabetes if not timely controlled and managed can severely affect the health of your eyes and brain said experts on ThursdayA new study published in The Lancet revealed that about 212 million people lived with diabetes in India in 2022 the highest in the worldDiabetes is a condition with high blood sugar due to a deficiency in the hormone insulinUncontrolled blood sugars in patients with diabetes are known to have a wide range of complications involving multiple organ systemsUncontrolled diabetes can have a devastating impact on eye health leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy Dr Ikeda Lal Senior cornea Cataract and refractory surgery specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Delhi Eye Centre told IANSThe condition often shows no symptoms in its early stages making routine screenings crucialHigh blood sugar levels damage the retinas delicate blood vessels potentially causing vision loss if untreated Early detection is key regular eye exams can catch subtle changes before they progressrdquo Lal addedManaging diabetes and protecting onersquos vision go handinhand making proactive care essential for longterm eye healthTimely intervention can help patients maintain their sight and quality of lifeFurther uncontrolled diabetes also leads to various neurological conditions in diabetic patientsldquoThe brain complications in diabetes are in the form of strokes dementia cognitive impairment like memory disturbances impaired ability to perform activities of daily living infections due to compromised immunity as a result of uncontrolled blood sugars seizures or fits due to either very high blood sugars or low blood sugars hypoglycemiardquo Dr Sowmya M Senior Consultant ndash Neurology Aster RV Hospital told IANSAll these can be prevented by taking measures to keep the blood sugars under control said the expertldquoThe outcomes of untreated and uncontrolled diabetes also include heart attacks strokes kidney failure blindness and amputationsrdquo said Saima Wazed WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia on ThursdayldquoThese complications not only impose an emotional and financial burden on individuals and families but also significant financial strain on healthcare systemsrdquo Wazed noted urging nations to collectively work to overcome the growing burden of diabetesAs per the latest estimates diabetes affected nearly 246 million people in 2022 in the WHO SouthEast Asia Region including IndiaWhile early detection is crucial Wazed stated that more than 60 per cent of people with diabetes in the Region are unaware of their statusShe called on to increase awareness campaigns about the prevention detection and management of diabetesShe also urged the need to tackle the challenges faced by individuals communities and health systems to access diabetes prevention and managementAlso ReadConsuming junk food while watching TV is increasing diabetes risk in childrenThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever