World Diabetes Day - 14^th November 2005

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Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can occur if diabetes goes unnoticed and untreated over a period of time. It damages the retina and can even lead to blindness in more severe cases. At the outset, there is damage to the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the retina. Initially, there is no compromise in the vision. However, progressively, there is a noticeable deterioration in the eyesight. Regular eye examination is therefore a must for diabetics to preserve vision. In fact, the sight of 90 per cent of those with advanced Diabetic retinopathy can be saved by surgery, either laser or conventional. 

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The presence of diabetes in the mother is the most common cause for complications during pregnancy. Several studies have established a definitive link between diabetes and congenital birth defects. In fact, women with insulin- dependent Diabetes Mellitus are five to six times more likely to have a child with a birth defect, compared to the general population. Spina bifida, Anencephaly, Hydrocephalus, cardiac defects and renal defects are commonly seen in infants of diabetic mothers.

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Diabetes is the most common cause of chronic renal failure or end stage renal disease. The kidney loses its ablility to function properly which is evident from the high levels of protein in the urine. It leads to diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes. Over a period of time, the kidney's ability to function starts to decline eventually paving the way for chronic renal failure. A kidney biopsy and other urine tests can diagnose this condition. Diabetic nephropathy is generally accompanied by other diabetic complications including hypertension, retinopahy and other vascualr changes. Several years may lapse between the protein excretion and the onset of renal diaese.

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The diabetes market is all set to revolutionize diabetes treatment with the increase in the prevalence of the disease both in developed countries and developing countries within the coming ten years. One of the significant achievements has been the production of recombinant insulin for global utilization. Insulin pens, jet injectors, external insulin pumps and injections are the currently available forms of administration. Several innovations such as implantable insulin pumps, insulin pills, transdermal insulin, oral spray insulin and oral inhaled insulin are being evaluated, the results of which are promising.  

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