D.Kent Towsley, M.D., Principal Clinical Coordinator
Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality

January, 2007 -- If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk for diseases of the eye, including glaucoma, retinopathy and cataracts. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality is reminding older Oklahomans with diabetes that Medicare pays for preventive services, including an annual eye exam, to help manage the disease.

A dilated eye exam is important because diabetes-related eye disease usually has no warning signs. Even if you have good control of your diabetes, you are still at high risk for diabetic eye disease. And the longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to develop diabetes-related eye disease. Screening and treatment can prevent up to 90% of diabetes-related blindness.

Diabetes can be managed. We urge people with diabetes to:
• See an eye doctor for an exam every other year.
• See your primary care doctor regularly. Ask your doctor to order a blood test to check your lipid profile and HgbA1c levels every year.
• Ask your doctor for a complete foot exam at least once a year. Check your feet yourself regularly.
• Ask your doctor for a urine protein test at least once a year.
• Exercise. Check with your doctor first about the best exercise program for you.
• Enjoy a healthy diet.
• Test your blood sugar.
• Take your medications as directed.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, Medicare helps pay for the supplies you need and offsets the cost of doctor visits and tests. Remember, your doctor and Medicare want to keep you healthy.