21/09/2026
It is important to address the root cause of a problem rather than simply treating its consequences. We cannot keep mopping the floor while the tap is still running.
India has a very high burden of diabetes, and it is important to create awareness about how diabetes can affect different organs of the body. As ophthalmologists, we often see the consequences of uncontrolled diabetes in the form of diabetic retinopathy.
With this in mind, we arranged a talk by Dr. Chethan Raykar, Diabetologist, for a group of patients being trained to become Community Vision Leaders. She spoke about our increased predisposition to diabetes and the importance of preventing and controlling it through the 4 Ds of diabetes care:
Diet โ maintaining a healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and avoiding the โthree whitesโ: sugar, salt and maida.
Daily exercise โ staying physically active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Vitamin D โ ensuring adequate Vitamin D levels.
Drugs โ taking prescribed medicines correctly and regularly.
These simple but important measures can help keep diabetes under control, and for those who are not diabetic, help reduce the risk of developing it.
For an ophthalmologist, it is heartbreaking to see patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy, sometimes when very little treatment can still be offered. The ultimate consequence can be irreversible visual loss and blindness.
By addressing diabetes at its root and creating awareness in our communities, together we can reduce the burden of avoidable blindness caused by diabetes and its complications.
(diabetes, health, diet, vitamins, doctor, hospital, eyes, exercise, Bangalore)
