Accu-Chek

It comes as a surprise to many, but eye health is of particular concern to individuals who have diabetes. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels can affect your eyesight, as well as speed up the process of cataract development. Diabetics are also more prone to develop glaucoma. For these reasons, it's imperative that you monitor your blood glucose levels with your Accu-Chek meter or other testing device. You should also have regular eye examinations, and report any changes in your vision to your doctor. Keeping your blood glucose level stabilized is the primary way to lower your risk of eye disease.

Diabetes and Eye Disease
In some, diabetes can bring about diabetic retinopathy, meaning damage to the retina of the eye. There are three categories of diabetic retinopathy. The first stage, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, is brought on by high blood glucose levels. This category affects the small blood vessels in the retina. High blood glucose levels can cause hormonal, functional and structural changes to take place in the retina.

Proliferative retinopathy is more advanced. This category means the retina is releasing chemical messengers which stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. The problem is these new blood vessels tend to leak into the retina. Sometimes they may even burst. If this happens, scar tissue can build up and pull on the retina. Problems can sometimes lead to the retina detaching itself, and even blindness. Though problems of this severity are rare, they offer more good reasons to use your Accu-Chek meter regularly. These high-quality meters are available through American Diabetic Supply, Inc.