Dr. Irma Zamudio and Dr. Sergio Groman talk about the increase in cases of Diabetic Retinopathy
Our doctors warn about the increase in cases of diabetic retinopathy among young people, which has become the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Mexico.
Recently, Dr. Irma Zamudio (General Ophthalmologist at CODET Vision Institute) and Dr. Sergio Groman (Director of the Retina Service) spoke with Nómadas about their growing concern over the increase in diabetic retinopathy cases among young people and how this eye disease has become the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Mexico.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the retina’s small, essential blood vessels, or even block them completely, leading to complications. This condition is primarily caused by type 2 diabetes, which has become an epidemic and, unfortunately, remains uncontrolled in Mexico.
The doctor mentioned that, according to the Secretaria Federal de Salud, 20% of the population in Mexico has diabetes. However, this figure is actually higher, as only one in two people have been diagnosed with the condition.
In 2019, there were 19 million people with diabetes in the country. After the pandemic, what was expected for 2030 accelerated. Today there are 20 million diabetics. It’s very alarming because this number keeps increasing,
dra. zamudio explained
Another concerning situation is that more and more young people are being diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. Many cases arise when patients notice an eye problem and go in for a check-up, at which point they are diagnosed with the condition—often without previously knowing they had diabetes.
Dr. Groman explained that, with diabetes, blood does not reach the tissues adequately and begins to cause damage to all organs. In the case of the eye, the retina is the affected part, which is essential for vision.
When this happens, new blood vessels form to compensate for the lack of circulation, but these vessels further damage the retina, causing internal bleeding. In such cases, people can suddenly lose their vision and may experience retinal detachment.
dr. groman explained
Dr. Zamudio commented that it is vital for the public to become more involved in the prevention and early detection of the disease and to understand that diabetic retinopathy causes irreversible blindness.
Often, patients learn about their condition when it has already reached a severe stage, and there is nothing that can be done. This is the reality that the public needs to understand to raise awareness of the serious implications of this disease.
said dr.groman
Diabetic retinopathy has become one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in Mexico, increasingly affecting younger people. The lack of control over type 2 diabetes and delayed diagnosis exacerbate this situation, underscoring the urgent need to raise public awareness about the prevention and early detection of this eye disease. It is crucial for both patients and the general public to understand the severity of this condition and to take proactive steps to protect their visual health.
You can read the entire article here: Alertan sobre la gravedad y el incremento de casos de retinopatía diabética.