Myths and Facts about DR
FACT:
About 21% of patients with type 2 diabetes will have diabetic retinopathy at the time of diabetic diagnosis.1
FACT:
Type 1 diabetes: After 5 years, approximately 25% of people will have retinopathy, increasing to 60% after 10 years, and 80% after 15 years.2
Type 2 diabetes: The rate of retinopathy after 5 years is higher for those taking insulin (40%) compared to those who do not need it (24%). These rates more than double in patients who have had diabetes for 19 years.2
FACT:
Your eye care provider is managing only a portion of your diabetes, specifically the eye disease. It is very important for you to continue to keep your appointments with your PCP and for all your doctors to work together.2 Your diabetic care team will include your PCP, your eye care provider and specialists that may include a retina specialist, low vision specialist, endocrinologist, registered dietician or nutritionist, diabetic health educator, dentist, pharmacist and podiatrist.
References
- Flaxel CJ, Adelman RA, Bailey ST, et al. Diabetic Retinopathy Preferred Practice Pattern. Ophthalmology. 2020;127(1): PP66-PP145.
- Fong DS, Aiello L, Gardner TW, et al. Retinopathy in Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27(supp1) s84-s87.
