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Topic Of The Month - Diabetes (Nov 15th - Nov 30th)
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Diabetes ( 15th Nov- 2nd Dec)
 | | Diabetes ( 15th Nov- 2nd Dec) | 15th Nov – 2nd Dec 2009
Title: Diabetes
About 9% of the adult population in Singapore has diabetes. Diabetes in the long run, can lead to complications such as blindness, kidney failure, limb amputation, foot/leg diseases and even heart problems.
At present, no cure is available for diabetes. However, with a regular monitoring of blood glucose and combination of diet and medication, people with diabetes can lead a healthy life.
Hosted By:
Dr Kevin Tan
Vice-President, Diabetic Society of Singapore
Visiting Consultant in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Internal Medicine,
Singapore General Hospital
This topic is closed. Please read the threads below for the replies from our specialists.
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By :healthxchange123 |
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| Q: | My doctor tell me that diabetes can cause eye disease but do not have time to explain properly what it is so.
Would you mind to explain what are the type of eye disease that I should be aware of and their associated symtopms?
I am already 48 years and been suffering from diabetes for the last 8 years.
Thanks
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By :wangjosie | | A: | Diabetic retinopathy results from damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina which in turn causes leaking blood and other fluids that cause swelling of retinal tissue and clouding of vision. The condition usually affects both eyes.
The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy. When these changes affect the central focusing area of the retina known as “macula” (diabetic maculopathy), it affects the vision markedly. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.
Other eye problems that may be caused by DM are- cataract, fluctuating refractive error, glaucoma, frequent lid infections.
Answered by Dr. Ranjana Mathur
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By :healthxchange123 | | Q: | My wife is suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure for the last 4 years.
Recently, she has been very sensitive to light and with a sense of feeling something inside the eye. This condition has been going on for 2 weeks. It has no pain.
Is it possible that her situation is due to diabetes?
Is it a concern that we should send her to see a doctor immediately ?
What are the prevention measure that we should take to reduce her risk of getting eye problem?
thx
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By :sek.joshua | | A: | Symptoms that you have described here could be due to ocular surface problem. Although there is no need for immediate consult, it is recommended that she seek an eye consult to rule out DM retinopathy.
Answered by Dr. Ranjana Mathur
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By :healthxchange123 | | Q: |
Dear Doctor
I have a few questions on diabetes retinas problems.
- How can diabetes hurt the retinas of my eyes?
- What happens as diabetes retina problems get worse?
- How do I know if I have retina damage from diabetes?
- and What can I do about diabetes retina problems?
Looks forward for your reply.
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By :nelsontan | | A: | Diabetic retinopathy results from damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina which in turn causes leaking blood and other fluids that cause swelling of retinal tissue and clouding of vision. The condition usually affects both eyes.
The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy. When these changes affect the central focusing area of the retina known as “macula” (diabetic maculopathy), it affects the vision markedly. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.
You may not have any eye symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. The only definitive diagnosis can be made by detailed retina check by an Ophthalmologist.
Diabetic retinal fundus photography is also successful as a tool to screen diabetic patients. If you are diagnosed to have DM retinopathy then you will be followed up regularly by your Ophthalmologist.
Answered by Dr. Ranjana Mathur
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By :healthxchange123 | | Q: | Over the past few days, i have had blurred vision in my left eye which lasts for most of the day. I wear contact lens, however my left eye looking thru it, is as if i wasn’t wearing my lens at all! I just can't seem to get the left eye to see clearly. I went to a regular GP and he didn't know what it was. Is this type of blurred vision a symptom of diabetes? Please kindly advice.
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By :vincenttan | | A: |
Blurred vision in a patient who is contact lens wearer can be due to many reasons. If you have diabetes as well then the problem may be due to contact lens fit. Either ways it is recommended that you seek an Ophthalmologist’s consult.
Answered by Dr. Ranjana Mathur
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By :healthxchange123 | | Q: | My mother suffered from diabetes. I am worried that I will get it too. So, I exercise regularly, eat pasta and brown rice ( instead of white) most of the time. I also refrain from too much sweet desserts. Is this enough to ensure I avoid diabetes? What else should I do?
thanks
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By :dave | | A: | Yes you are right, with a family history of diabetes, your risk of getting diabetes is higher and someone else. There is no sure way of preventing diabetes. Lifestyle measures include eating healthily as is what you are doing, exercising regularly and keeping to an ideal body weight. There is also a role of taking medication like metformin, acarbose and rosiglitazone which, on top of lifestyle measures, can also help reduce the risk of getting diabetes. Do speak to your doctor and discuss it more.
Answered by Dr. Kevin Tan
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By :sbdtys | | Q: | My father , 70 years old, has diabetes and is on tablet medication. I have heard that diabetics are at risk of heart problems, as well as eye and feet?
What should I do to ensure he does not get such problems, and what tests does he need to go for? How often? Is it okay to just go to a GP, or should he see a specialist?
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By :rachel | | A: | Yes, the whole point of diabetes is to control the complications – which happen after a time of poor blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol control. These complications can affect the eyes, feet, heart, nerves in the feet and elsewhere and the kidneys. He should have a regular, at least, annual screening for these complications. He can prevent getting them through good blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol control. Yes, a GP would do fine, if he is managing your father well and according to national guidelines. You may see a specialist if you require another opinion or are unhappy with his management.
Answered by Dr. Kevin Tan
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By :sbdtys | | Q: | Dear Doc,
My mum is a diabetes patient. I am quite worried that I might be having diabetes as well.
Could you tell me what are the symptomps of diabetes ? Do i have to go for regular checkup? What are my risk of getting diabetes since my mother is already a diabetes patient.
Thanks
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By :zanne_ooi | | A: | With a family history of diabetes, you ARE at increased risk. The symptoms of diabetes are – feeling thirsty, tired, passing a lot of urine, losing weight, numbness in the fingers or toes, blurred vision. However, MOST persons with diabetes DO NOT have symptoms, so please don’t rely just on them. You should go for a regular blood sugar check and as importantly, prevent diabetes through a healthy diet, keeping to a normal weight and regular exercise.
Answered by Dr. Kevin Tan
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By :sbdtys |
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