Who is affected by diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of vision loss in adults between ages 20 and 74.1 The prevalence of the disease varies between those with type 1 diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes.
Among people who have type 1 diabetes:
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- After 5 years, about 25% have retinopathy.1
- After 10 years, 60% have retinopathy.1
- After 15 years, 98% have retinopathy, and of those, 26% have the proliferative form of the disease.2
- After 20 years, almost all have retinopathy.1 More than half (53%) have the proliferative form.2
Among people who have type 2 diabetes:
- At diagnosis, about 21% have retinopathy.1 People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have had the disease for several years before they are actually diagnosed. As a result, the time between diagnosis of diabetes and initial development of retinopathy may be shorter in people with type 2 diabetes.
- After 15 years, about 60% to 85% have retinopathy.2
Citations
Fong D, et al. (2004). Retinopathy in diabetes. Diabetes Care, 27(Suppl 1): S84-S87.
Begg IS, et al. (2001). Eye disease. In HC Gerstein, RB Haynes, eds., Evidence-Based Diabetes Care, pp. 396-428. Hamilton, ON: BC Decker.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
March 22, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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