Co Down Man Loses Sight Due to Undiagnosed Diabetes, Issues Urgent Warning
DOWNPATRICK, Northern Ireland - A man from County Down is speaking out after undiagnosed diabetes led to blindness, hoping his story will encourage others to get checked. Teh warning comes during Diabetes Awareness Month, as figures reveal a growing number of people in Northern Ireland are living with the condition and at risk of sight loss.
Almost 118,000 people in Northern Ireland are currently living with diabetes, a number that continues to rise, according to Diabetes UK Northern Ireland. This increase brings with it a greater risk of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of sight loss among people of working age. The Co Down man’s experience underscores the critical importance of early detection and management of diabetes to prevent devastating consequences.
The condition,if left undiagnosed,can lead to diabetic retinopathy,damaging the blood vessels in the retina. This can cause blurred vision, floaters, and eventually, blindness.
For advice on managing diabetes, visit http://diabetes.org.uk/northern-ireland or call 028 9066 6646. For emotional and practical support with sight loss, visit http://rnib.org.uk,contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
