Diabetes is part of everyday life for around two million Australians. This National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia’s Living Out Loud campaign is encouraging people living with diabetes to share what they wish others better understood about the condition.
At Vision Excellence, we know that living well with diabetes involves looking after the whole person. This includes staying active, managing blood glucose, attending regular health checks and protecting your eyesight.
It also means continuing to enjoy the activities and communities that bring connection, confidence and purpose.
Diabetes should not define an active life
Many people in our local Walking Football and WalkSoccer communities live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. They continue to play, volunteer, referee, travel and participate fully in community sport.
Regular physical activity can be an important part of diabetes management. It can support general fitness, mobility, cardiovascular health and emotional wellbeing. For older adults, an activity such as walking football also offers something equally valuable: friendship, belonging and a reason to keep moving.
Walking football modifies the traditional game by removing running and physical contact. The focus is on controlled movement, teamwork, enjoyment and participation. This can make the sport a welcoming option for people who may have stepped away from exercise or organised sport.
However, every person’s diabetes and general health are different. Exercise should form part of an individual management plan developed with the person’s diabetes healthcare team.
Exercising safely with diabetes
People living with diabetes may need to take some additional precautions before, during and after physical activity.
Depending on the type of diabetes, medication and individual advice, this may include:
- monitoring blood glucose as recommended
- carrying glucose or another fast-acting carbohydrate
- bringing required medication and diabetes supplies
- staying well hydrated
- wearing appropriate footwear and checking the feet for injuries
- allowing time for warm-up, rest and recovery
- telling a trusted teammate or organiser what assistance may be needed
- stopping and seeking help when feeling dizzy, weak, confused or unwell.
Players should follow the advice provided by their GP, diabetes educator or treating healthcare team. Exercise is not a replacement for prescribed medication, glucose monitoring or medical care.
Diabetes can affect the eyes
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This is known as diabetic retinopathy.
The condition can develop in people with any type of diabetes. Importantly, early diabetic eye disease may cause few or no noticeable symptoms. Vision can appear normal while changes are beginning inside the eye. Regular eye examinations therefore remain important even when eyesight seems unchanged.
Diabetes Australia recommends that people have their eyes checked from the time diabetes is diagnosed and then regularly, generally every two years unless more frequent examinations are advised. Individual timing can vary according to the type and duration of diabetes, pregnancy, existing retinal changes and other health factors.
A comprehensive diabetic eye examination may include assessment of vision, the health of the retina and other structures within the eye. Retinal photography, optical coherence tomography and other diagnostic technologies may also assist an optometrist in detecting and monitoring changes.
Do not wait for your vision to change
Possible symptoms of diabetes-related eye problems may include:
- blurred or fluctuating vision
- difficulty focusing
- distorted or patchy vision
- new spots or floaters
- reduced night vision
- a sudden change in eyesight.
Sudden vision loss, a rapid increase in floaters, flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow across the vision requires urgent medical attention.
Stable blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, together with regular eye health examinations, can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related vision loss.
Healthy ageing is about more than one appointment
Looking after diabetes is not limited to glucose readings, and looking after eyesight is not simply about updating glasses.
Good long-term care brings together regular medical reviews, eye examinations, appropriate nutrition, medication when required, physical activity and supportive communities.
Walking football is one example of how people can remain active while reconnecting with sport in a safer and more inclusive format. It provides exercise, but it also provides laughter, friendship and the confidence that comes from being part of a team.
For people living with diabetes, the message is not to step away from an active life. It is to participate with preparation, awareness and the right professional guidance.
Stay active. Stay informed. Protect your sight.
Vision Excellence provides comprehensive eye health examinations for people living with diabetes in Norwest and throughout the Hills District. People with diabetes should continue to attend their GP and diabetes healthcare team and follow their recommended schedule for eye examinations.
This article provides general health information and does not replace individual medical, optometric or exercise advice.
