Call for diabetes patients to join research study

Only 15 per cent of people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels within the optimal range, fueling an increase in vision loss from complications such as diabetic retinopathy.

This is just one of the findings by Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) researchers who are investigating the factors that prevent good diabetes management. 

Principal Investigator Ecosse Lamoureux said that while most people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy at some point in their lives, severe vision loss caused by the disease is preventable.

“Diabetic retinopathy is usually the result of untreated or poorly controlled diabetes. Studies show that proper control of blood glucose levels and hypertension significantly reduces the progression of the disease,” Dr Lamoureux said.

Researchers hope the results of the study will help medical professionals to better support and educate patients about their treatment needs.

CERA is seeking to recruit 2,000 people over 18 with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to participate in the study which involves an interview, blood test and eye exam at CERA and the Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne.

If you would like to join the study, please contact CERA recruitment coordinator Eva Fenwick on 03 9929 8363.

Read more about the study in the June edition of Vision news here