Free diabetes screenings this week

TACKLING diabetes takes its place on the worldwide stage this week, and the Costa del Sol will play its part in helping raise awareness about the disease.

In support of World Diabetes Day on November 14, Specsavers Opticas will join forces with local diabetes groups to offer people free healthy snacks and information about diabetes and how it affects the eye.

Specsavers in Fuengirola will be offering free diabetes screenings on the day, with a qualified nurse present to conduct a simple finger prick test to detect the signs of diabetes. Results will be given immediately and if positive, patients will be referred for medical advice. Experts will be on hand to answer any questions about the disease.

Specsavers in Marbella will also be supporting diabetes awareness by holding a similar event on November 16. The events are aimed at detecting signs of diabetes and pre-diabetes, and allowing people to seek the correct medical help before further damage is done.

Diabetes can cause a condition known as ‘diabetic retinopathy’ that affects vision when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged by changing blood-sugar levels and can lead to permanent sight loss. If detected during the eye tests, patients will be sent for further tests and treatment.

Diabetes affects more than 170 million people worldwide and one of the side effects is sight loss. However, not all diabetes causes sight loss, but regular screening and eye tests are of vital importance in order to monitor and manage any problems. Most diabetes-related eye problems can be treated, but early detection is of the upmost importance. Once vision is lost, it doesn’t come back.

World Diabetes Day is held every year on November 14 and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. On November 14, the Specsavers Fuengirola event – in conjunction with La Cala de Mijas Lions Diabetics Support Group – will be held in-store between 10am and 1.30pm. On November 16, the Specsavers Marbella event – in association with the Asociacion de Diabeticos de la Costa del Sol – will be at Plaza de la Encarnacion from 9.30am to 2pm.

 

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