GOUTAMI EYE INSTITUTE Eye Foundation America Rotary www.goutaml.org www.oyefoundationofamerica.org www.rotary.org November is National Diabetes Awareness Month ALL EYES ON DIABETES WHAT IS DIABETES? Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. Too much glucose in the blood for a long time can cause damage in many parts of the body including the heart, kidneys and blood vessels. Diabetes can damage the eyes as well. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Early detection is key. Visit your medical doctor annually and remind loved ones to do the same. Symptoms of diabetes vary between people. Mood Swings or Crankiness Memory loss or confusion Excessive hunger or thirst Frequent urination Unexplined weight kes Shaking or fooling faint Froquent fatigue Common symptoms are: WHAT IS DIABETIC EYE DISEASE? Diabetic Retinopathy happens when blood vessels in the retina swell, leak, or close off completely. Abnormal new blood vessels then grow on the surface of the retina, causing scar tissue. Retinal detachment may also occur. Macular edema occurs when fluid builds up and causes swelling. Edema can cause blurred and potentially permanent vision loss. Cataracts can be caused or brought on more quickly from excess blood sugar. Cataract surgery is necessary to remove cloudy lenses. Glaucoma causes damage to your eye's optic nerve, leading to irreversible loss of vision. Diabetics have 2x the chance of getting glaucoma. Early detection prevents blindness. Yoarly oye exams detect changos early and can save AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE Eat the right amount of calories for you; Eat what you like, in moderation! Eat Right! Exercise Right! Stay Connected! Lean protein, fresh fruit, and low-starch vegetables are vital to a healthy diet. Regular exercise improves overall health, boosts your mood, and raises energy levels. Talk with family. friends, and loved ones about your health and what to do in an emergency. EFA is involved in diabetes prevention around the world. If you are interested in contributing financially to our cause, tax-deductible donations may be mailed to: V.K. Raju, M.D. - Eye Foundation of America, 695 Westview Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26505 GOUTAMI EYE INSTITUTE Eye Foundation America Rotary www.goutaml.org www.oyefoundationofamerica.org www.rotary.org November is National Diabetes Awareness Month ALL EYES ON DIABETES WHAT IS DIABETES? Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. Too much glucose in the blood for a long time can cause damage in many parts of the body including the heart, kidneys and blood vessels. Diabetes can damage the eyes as well. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Early detection is key. Visit your medical doctor annually and remind loved ones to do the same. Symptoms of diabetes vary between people. Mood Swings or Crankiness Memory loss or confusion Excessive hunger or thirst Frequent urination Unexplined weight kes Shaking or fooling faint Froquent fatigue Common symptoms are: WHAT IS DIABETIC EYE DISEASE? Diabetic Retinopathy happens when blood vessels in the retina swell, leak, or close off completely. Abnormal new blood vessels then grow on the surface of the retina, causing scar tissue. Retinal detachment may also occur. Macular edema occurs when fluid builds up and causes swelling. Edema can cause blurred and potentially permanent vision loss. Cataracts can be caused or brought on more quickly from excess blood sugar. Cataract surgery is necessary to remove cloudy lenses. Glaucoma causes damage to your eye's optic nerve, leading to irreversible loss of vision. Diabetics have 2x the chance of getting glaucoma. Early detection prevents blindness. Yoarly oye exams detect changos early and can save AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE Eat the right amount of calories for you; Eat what you like, in moderation! Eat Right! Exercise Right! Stay Connected! Lean protein, fresh fruit, and low-starch vegetables are vital to a healthy diet. Regular exercise improves overall health, boosts your mood, and raises energy levels. Talk with family. friends, and loved ones about your health and what to do in an emergency. EFA is involved in diabetes prevention around the world. If you are interested in contributing financially to our cause, tax-deductible donations may be mailed to: V.K. Raju, M.D. - Eye Foundation of America, 695 Westview Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26505