More than 40% of the public are unaware that people with diabetes are at risk of going blind as a result of complications to the condition, a survey by Diabetes UK has found.
The charity surveyed 1994 people and found that 41% did not know that diabetes can cause retinal failure. This has led to concerns that patients with diabetes are at increased risk of going blind, as they do not attend general practice to have the symptoms checked, as is recommended under medical guidance.
Pav Kalsi, a clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, said: 'There is a two wing approach to addressing this in primary care. Firstly, nurses should be aware of the link, so if a patient with diabetes complains of blurred vision, they should conduct an eye test. The second is empowering patients to self manage and understand their condition, so in the event of eye problems, they know to immediately make a general practice appointment.'
The survey also found that the public is broadly unaware of the other complications of diabetes. It showed that 39% of respondents did not know that diabetes can lead to cardiac episodes, while 66% were unaware that patients with the conditions are at higher risk of experiencing a stroke.
Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK said: 'This survey highlights a worrying lack of awareness of the devastating complications of diabetes among the general public, despite the fact that there are now 3.8 million people living with the condition.'