About 38.4 million people in the United States (11.6% of the population) have diabetes, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means that a 20-patient-per-day practice likely sees two patients a day who have diabetes. 

While we often talk about the ocular effects of diabetes, as we should, we have the opportunity to save both sight and lives if we take our conversations a bit further by speaking with patients about the seriousness of the disease, the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.

Educate through conversation
I recently spoke with a diabetic patient who had endured a below-the-knee amputation since he had last seen me four years ago. What broke my heart was his repeated tearful declaration that he wished he had listened to his doctors and had taken his health seriously.

To educate effectively, consider translating data, such as the risk factors for diabetes-related complications reported by the CDC and using these to encourage new behaviors:

• Most diabetic patients (89.8%) were overweight or had obesity (BMI of 25 or higher).

• A total of 31.9% were phys-ically inactive (less than 10 minutes a week of moderate or vigorous activity in each physical activity category of work, leisure time, and transportation).

• Almost half (47.4%) had an A1C value of 7.0% or higher.

• A total of 22.1% used tobacco.

• Most (80.6%) had a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher or diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or higher.

• A total of 39.5% had a non- HDL level of 130 mg/dL or higher.

Employ retinal imaging
Eye doctors possess an amazing tool that most other doctors do not: retinal imaging. When I review retinal images (photos and OCT) with patients, I remind them of the risks outlined above, and I walk them through simple lifestyle changes that could have a life-saving effect. These tips (not all inclusive by any means) include:

1. Visit your PCP, get blood work as prescribed, and be compliant with medications.

2. Commit to 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

3. Work with your PCP to obtain a healthy BMI.

4. Quit smoking.

5. Work with your PCP to control cholesterol and blood pressure.

Returning to the patient
Although the patient mentioned earlier was sad that he had progressed to the point of amputation, he was passionate in his new-found mission to encourage doctors and their teams to be vigilant and to use every opportunity to educate patients of the consequences of non-compliance to the above tips. He praised the practice’s commitment to technology that enables us to better educate patients, which will ultimately be the key to diabetes control and could possibly add quality years of life. 

It takes a team
Diabetes management takes teamwork: our office team, the teams of other health care providers, and the patient. Let’s never forget that our words of education and encouragement will not only save a person’s sight but could also save their life. OM

Email: april.jasper@broadcastmed.com

Twitter: @DrAprilJasper

Facebook: @OptometricManagement

APRIL JASPER, OD, FAAO practices in West Palm Beach, Fla. She is an American Academy of Optometry fellow and is chief optometric editor of Optometric Management.