People with long-term diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic eye disease, a leading cause of blindness. Regular eye exams, treatment, and consistent follow-up care are key in preventing vision loss. During National Diabetes Awareness Month, November, the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) of the National Institutes of Health National Eye Institute encourages everyone to “spread the word about how people with diabetes can protect their vision.” NEHEP also provides educational information through its Diabetic Education Program. Find out more from NEHEP in their website piece on National Diabetes Month. The theme for National Diabetes Month this year also emphasizes preventing the onset of diabetes when possible: “Small Steps, Big Difference: Preventing diabetes is within your reach.” The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health offers tangible health tips to help manage prediabetes and prevent diabetes. They urge people, for example, to “Take small steps” in making lifestyle changes; “Choose healthier foods and drinks…;” and “Seek support.” For more information and tips, as well as a toolkit with fact sheets, social media messages, and other resources to advance the theme, check out National Diabetes Month 2021: small steps big difference.
Menu
