Diabetes UK estimate that more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, which is an all-time high. Their data shows that almost 4.6 million people in the UK live with diabetes diagnoses and additionally, nearly 1.3 million people could be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. On top of this, an estimated 6.3 million people are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK based on blood sugar levels (prediabetes). This mean an estimated 12.1 million adults in the UK are living with diabetes or prediabetes – this is an alarming 17% of the population.
At Rawlings, our Optometrists are specially trained to detect eye changes caused by diabetes, which can occur before a formal diagnosis is made.
Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It’s common for diabetes to be first spotted during a routine eye exam, either from changes in vision or signs of leaky blood vessels.
Once diagnosed, regular diabetic eye checks are crucial. If left untreated, damage can lead to permanent sight loss.
Each year, over 1,700 people in the UK lose their sight due to diabetes-related eye disease.
