Diabetes and Eye Health: What Do People Really Know?

The Global Diabetes Crisis

• Over 500 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes.
• India's Northeast faces a significant challenge with low awareness of diabetes-related eye risks.

The Silent Threat to Vision

• Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.
• A recent study examined public knowledge of diabetes and its impact on eye health.

Key Findings from the Study

Study Demographics

• Over 1,700 participants visited an eye clinic.
• Age range: 23 to 94 years.
• More men participated than women.
• Nearly 50% of participants had diabetes.

Knowledge Gaps

• Diabetics knew more about risks than non-diabetics, but lifestyle risks (inactivity, obesity) were poorly understood.
• Younger individuals (under 55) were more aware of diabetes risks and symptoms.
• 90% of diabetics recognized blurry vision as a symptom.
• Only 45% knew the normal blood sugar range after eating.
• Low awareness of fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels among both diabetics and non-diabetics.

Factors Influencing Awareness

• Geographic location, religion, family type, marital status, and income affected knowledge levels.
• Diabetics were more aware of risks, but overall awareness remained low.

Conclusion

The study highlights the urgent need for education on diabetes and its impact on eye health to prevent blindness in working-age adults.