Fall 2008
Volume 17
No. 4

In This Issue

Keep an Eye on Your Vision

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults; however it can often be prevented. Unfortunately, thousands of people with diabetes lose their vision each year. The most common cause is diabetic retinopathy which damages the eye’s retina. Having diabetes increases your risk of getting this disease. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels located in the retina. Over time, the damaged blood vessels close and new, weak blood vessels form in the area. These new blood vessels can leak blood, which may lead to vision loss or blindness. This condition affects up to 80% of all people who have had diabetes for 10 years or more.

Getting a dilated eye exam every year is very important. During the early stages of this disease, many people aren’t even aware of their condition. Diabetic retinopathy can cause severe eye damage without pain or other obvious symptoms. You can help save your vision by getting a dilated eye exam which will detect if you are at risk.

Don’t wait until it is too late! Vision is one of your most important senses. With regular testing and early detection you can reduce your risk of vision loss. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you get a dilated eye exam at least once every 12 months. It is important to understand this test is not the same eye exam your doctor performs to prescribe your glasses. So take action today, set up an appointment with an eye specialist for a dilated eye exam. It just might save your sight.

Take Better Care of Your Eyes in 8 Easy Steps!

People with diabetes may develop eye complications which can cause vision loss or blindness. It is important to remember that you can develop this disease without experiencing any obvious symptoms. With early detection, you can greatly reduce your risk of eye damage and save your vision.

Here are 8 important steps you should follow to take Better Care of your eyes.

  1. Get a dilated eye exam at least once a year.
  2. Keep your blood sugar levels within the guidelines recommended by your doctor. To help reach your goal, know your A1C number and get it checked every 2-3 months. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C test result less than 7%. This test measures your average blood sugar control over the past 2 to 3 months.
  3. Lower your blood pressure if it is higher than what your doctor recommends. The ADA recommends you keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg. Talk with your doctor about blood pressure medications or lifestyle changes that can help lower your blood pressure to protect your eyes.
  4. Monitor your blood sugar daily. Self-management of your blood sugar helps prevent eye problems.
  5. Get regular physical activity when recommended by your doctor.
  6. Don’t use tobacco. Smoking can cause high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of diabetic eye disease.
  7. Maintain a reasonable weight. Being overweight can increase your blood pressure which can damage your eyes.
  8. Watch for problems. Call your doctor if you have:
    • Blurry vision or double vision
    • Flashes of light in your eyes
    • Blind spots or "things" floating in front of your eyes
    • Eye pressure or eye pain

If you need help with any of these steps, call our toll free number, 1-877-783-2177 and speak with one of our diabetes educators for a personal assessment and goal setting consultation.

Ask the Experts

Question: What is a dilated eye exam?

Answer: A dilated eye exam is a test done by an eye care specialist in which the pupil (the black center) of the eye is temporarily enlarged with eye drops to allow the doctor to see the inside of the eye more easily. Your doctor will check for signs of diabetic eye disease. The retina, optic nerve and blood vessels at the back of the eye are inspected using a bright light. Your eye will be checked for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. No portion of the exam is painful; however the dilating drops may blur your vision or make your eyes sensitive to light so you should plan to wear sunglasses for several hours after the exam. Because you may not be able to drive after your eye exam, arrange for someone to drive you home. Ask your eye doctor for any specific instructions when you receive your appointment for the eye exam.

Test Result Safety Level for Blindness or Vision Loss Action
No diabetic Very Safe Get eye exam again in 12 months eye disease
You have diabetic eye disease Unsafe See eye doctor as recommended for further eye testing, changes in medical treatment and/or lifestyle changes to reduce your blood pressure or blood sugar to goal.

10 Minute Ham & Egg Casserole

Ingredients:

  • Butter flavored cooking spray
  • 1 tbsp chopped onion
  • 2 mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced canned tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tsp capers
  • 1 cup egg substitute
  • 1/8 tsp garlic
  • 2 ounces of lean ham

Instructions:

  1. Spray a microwave proof casserole dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook the onion and mushrooms covered for 1-1 1/2 minutes on high setting.
  3. Add the tomatoes and capers and cook for another 5 minutes on high setting.
  4. Add egg substitute, garlic and ham to casserole dish and stir.
  5. Cook, uncovered, for 4 minutes on medium setting.
  6. Let set for 3 minutes before serving.

Yield:

  • 2 servings/li>

Nutrition:

  • 7g Carbohydrate
  • 310mg Sodium
  • 2g Fat
  • 1g Saturated Fat
  • 20g Protein
  • 116 Calories
  • 1mg Cholesterol
  • 0g Fiber

Exchanges:

  • 1 Vegetable
  • 3 Meat
    • s

Cranberry Krispies

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup fat free margarine
  • 1 package (10 oz.) marshmallows
  • 5 cups Rice Krispies® cereal
  • 3/4 cup cranberries

Instructions:

  1. Melt margarine over low heat in a large saucepan.
  2. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
  3. Cook over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Remove from heat and add cereal and cranberries.
  5. Stir until coated.
  6. Pour and press mixture evenly into 9"x13" cake pan which has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
  7. Cut into squares when cool.

Yield:

  • 24 servings
  • serving size: 1 (2" x 2" square)

Nutrition:

  • 20g Carbohydrate
  • 80mg Sodium
  • 0g Fat
  • 0g Saturated Fat
  • 1g Protein
  • 79 Calories
  • 0mg Cholesterol
  • 0g Fiber

Exchanges:

  • 1/2 Fruit
  • 1/2 Starch

Meal Planning from the Better Care Kitchen

Breakfast

  • 1 serving 10 Minute
  • Ham and Egg Casserole *see recipe
  • 1 slice of whole grain toast (1 carb)
  • 2 tsp of margarine
  • 8 oz. skim or low-fat milk (1 carb)
  • 1 large banana (2 carbs)
  • Coffee/water

Snack

  • 1 cup artificially flavored low-fat yogurt (1 carb)
  • 5-10 mixed nuts

Lunch

  • 6 whole grain crackers (1 carb)
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable soup (1 carb)
  • 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened canned peaches (1 carb)
  • 1 serving Cranberry Krispies (1 carb) *see recipe
  • Water/diet drink

Snack

  • 3 (2 1/2” square) graham crackers (1 carb)
  • 1 tbsp natural peanut butter

Evening

  • 3 ounces of baked chicken breast
  • 1 cup broccoli
  • 1 cup pinto beans (2 carbs)
  • 1 cup salad with 1 large sliced apple (2 carbs)
  • 1 tbsp light dressing
  • Water/diet drink

Snack

  • 1/2 English muffin (1 carb)
  • 1 tbsp sugar-free jelly