“ Come see how affordable QUALITY eye care can be ! “
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“ Come see how affordable QUALITY eye care can be ! “
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WHAT IS DCCT? The Diabetes Complication Control Trial (DCCT) was a long range clinical study conducted by the National Institutes of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Disease. The study showed that keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible slowed the onset and severity of eye, kidney and nerve disease caused by diabetes. In fact, it demonstrated that any sustained lowering of blood sugar helps, even if the person has a history of poor control. The largest, most comprehensive diabetes study ever conducted, the DCCT involved 1,441 volunteers with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 29 medical centers in the United States and Canada. Volunteers had diabetes for at least 1 year but no longer than I0 years. They also were required to have no, or only early signs of, diabetic eye disease. The study compared the effects of two treatment regimens-standard therapy and intensive control in the complications of diabetes. Elements of Intensive Management Used in the DCCT
Monthly visits to a health care team composed of a physician, nurse educator, dietician and behavior therapist. DCCT & The Eye All DCCT participants were monitored for diabetic retinopathy, an eye, disease that affects the retina. Study results showed that intensive therapy reduced the risk for developing retinopathy by 76 percent. In participants with some eye damage at the beginning of the study, intensive management slowed the progression of the disease by 54 percent. The retina is the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. According to the National Eye Institute, one of the National Institutes of Health, as many as 24,000 persons with diabetes lose their sight each year. In the United States, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults under age 65. DCCT & Kidney Disease Participants in the DCCT were tested to assess the development of diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy). Findings showed that intensive treatment prevented the development and slowed the progression of diabetic kidney disease by 50 percent. Diabetic kidney disease is the most common cause of kidney failure in the United States and the greatest threat to life in adults with IDDM. After having diabetes for 15 years, one-third of people with IDDM develop kidney disease. Diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impair- ing their ability to filter impurities from blood for excretion in the urine. Persons with kidney damage must have a kidney transplant or rely on dialysis to cleanse their blood. DCCT & Nerve Disease Participants in the DCCT were examined to detect the development of nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). Study results showed the risk of nerve damage was reduced by 60 percent in persons on intensive treatment. Diabetic nerve disease can cause pain and loss of feeling in the feet, legs, and fingertips. It can also affect the parts of the nervous system that control blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and sexual function. Neuropathy is a major contributing factor in foot and leg amputations among people with diabetes. DCCT & Cardiovascular Disease DCCT participants were not expected to have many heart-related problems because their average age was only 27 when the study began. Nevertheless, they underwent cardiograms, blood pressure tests, and laboratory tests of blood fat levels to look for signs of cardiovascular disease. The study proved that volunteers on intensive treatment had significantly lower risks of developing high blood cholesterol, a cause of heart disease. The risk was 35 percent lower in these volunteers, suggesting that intensive treatment can help prevent heart disease. What are the risks of Intensive Treatment? In the DCCT, the most significant side effect of intensive treatment was an increase in the risk for low blood sugar episodes severe enough to require assistance from another person. This is called severe hypoglycemia. Because of this risk, DCCT researchers do not recommend intensive therapy for children under age 13, people with heart disease or advanced complications, older adults, and people with a history of frequent severe hypoglycemia. Persons in the intensive management group also gained a modest amount of weight, suggesting that intensive treatment may not be appropriate for people with diabetes who are overweight. DCCT researchers estimate that intensive management doubles the cost of managing diabetes because of increased visits to health care professionals and the need for more frequent blood testing at home. However, this cost is offset by the reduction in medical expenses related to long- term complications and by the improved quality of life of people with diabetes. You can’t buy back your Vision
So what should you be doing?*
* Please consult your eye doctor for further details. This information is presented for informational purposes and is not designed to substitute for the advice of your eye doctor. ** information on DCCT reprinted with permission from the National Institute of Health. |
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Dr. Joseph Audia Rt. 1 Box 75-4 Salem, WV 26426 304-782-1005 Dr. Joseph Audia 1403 East Pearl Street Harrisville, WV 26362 304-643-2117Send mail to draudia@wveyes.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2010 Drs. Audia & Wickline Last modified: 7/17/2010 |
On
numerous occasions annually, we are faced with diabetic patients who would pay
anything to regain their vision. They often look for a quick fix and think
eyeglasses are the answer. Unfortunately, they have neglected their eyes and
their general medical health. It is important to look at these DCCT guidelines
and to make some critical decisions about your life. We hope we inspire you to
make the lifestyle changes that every diabetic needs so that you can maintain a
healthy quality of life. We also want you to partner with all of the
doctors on your health care team to take the best possible care of your
health. As for your eyes, do not avoid regular eye care. It is a troubling
statistic that less than all adults with diabetes have ever had their
eyes examined! 
