Diabetes Awareness Month 2025: Know More, Do More, Protect Your Vision

Every November, Diabetes Awareness Month reminds us that awareness and early prevention can make a lasting difference in living well with diabetes. This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Know More, Do More for Diabetes at Work,” highlights how diabetes management extends beyond medical care, shaping our everyday habits, especially in the workplace.

For many people working in Dubai and across the UAE, where long hours and digital screen use are common, understanding how diabetes affects eye health is essential to maintaining well-being and productivity.

This blog explores the connection between diabetes and vision, early signs to watch for, and simple lifestyle choices that can help protect your eyesight, at work and beyond.

 

Facts about diabetes

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 589 million adults worldwide are currently living with diabetes, and the number is projected to reach 853 million by 2050. This global rise reflects changing lifestyles, dietary habits, and reduced physical activity, all contributing to the growing public health challenge of diabetes.

In the United Arab Emirates, around 20.7% of adults aged 20 and above, equivalent to roughly 1.3 million people, are living with diabetes, and this is projected to increase, reaching approximately 23% of the population by 2050 (International Diabetes Federation)

These figures highlight the urgency of early detection and ongoing management to reduce health complications and protect long-term vision and overall well-being.

Diabetes and the working population

According to the International Diabetes Federation, 7 in 10 people living with diabetes are of working age (20–64 years). Maintaining healthy vision can be challenging for busy professionals in the UAE, where modern work often involves long hours at the workplace, extended screen time, and imbalanced diet.

Fluctuating glucose levels can temporarily blur vision, making it difficult to focus, read, or drive. Over time, inconsistent control can damage the retina, impacting vision and workplace performance.

Recognising early signs and adopting preventive habits can help you maintain sharper, more comfortable vision and ensuring that diabetes does not stand in the way of a productive working life.

The link between diabetes and vision

While diabetes is well known for affecting overall health, many people are unaware of its impact on the eyes. Over time, persistently high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, leading to diabetic retinopathy, one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss worldwide.

The scale of this impact is significant, with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) reporting that around one in three people living with diabetes will experience vision complications during their lifetime, and one in ten will develop vision-threatening conditions such as proliferative retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema.

Beyond diabetic retinopathy, diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye conditions, including:

• Cataracts, a condition that causes cloudy or blurred vision and tends to develop earlier in people with diabetes.
• Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often without noticeable initial symptoms, can lead to irreversible vision loss.

These conditions often progress silently in their early stages, meaning vision changes may only become apparent once the disease has advanced. Early warning signs can include blurred or fluctuating vision, poor night vision, or seeing dark spots, which should never be ignored. The most effective way to protect eyesight is through regular, comprehensive eye examinations, which enable ophthalmologists to detect early changes and manage complications before they affect sight.

Therefore, understanding these risks is the first step towards prevention, especially for those balancing demanding work schedules and daily routines that can make it challenging to prioritise regular eye care.

Eye health and well-being at work

Managing diabetes at work requires adopting habits that support long-term health. These include:

Eat balanced, low-glycaemic meals:

Choose foods that stabilise blood sugar, such as whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-glycaemic options, which provide steady energy and reduce sugar spikes. Keep eye-friendly snacks like nuts, fruit, and carrot sticks nearby as they contain vitamins E and A, which are beneficial for eye health.

Stay hydrated
Dehydration can raise blood sugar levels and worsen dry eyes, a common complaint among office workers in Dubai due to highly air-conditioned indoor spaces. Always have a bottle of water and drink regularly throughout the day.

Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol.
Both high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol can accelerate the progression of diabetes-related eye disease. Staying physically active, managing stress, and following your doctor’s recommendations all play a vital role in protecting long-term eye health and preventing complications.

Move regularly
Short, frequent breaks throughout the day help regulate blood sugar, improve circulation, and ease muscle tension. Even brief stretches or short walks during work can make a meaningful difference to overall wellbeing and give your eyes a chance to rest, reducing visual fatigue from prolonged screen time.

Schedule regular eye checks.
An annual comprehensive eye examination is one of the most effective ways to protect your sight. Modern retinal imaging enables ophthalmologists to identify very early changes in the eye, often before any symptoms appear, so they can intervene promptly, prevent further damage, and tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs.

The power of awareness and prevention

According to the International Diabetes Foundation and IAPB, up to 95 per cent of vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy can be prevented through early detection and timely treatment. Eye screenings should be part of every diabetes care routine, even when vision feels normal.

Prevention always remains the best approach, and consistent blood-sugar control, balanced nutrition, and regular medical follow-up significantly reduce the risk of vision-related complications.

If you or your loved ones live with diabetes or have noticed changes in your vision, it is strongly recommended to schedule a comprehensive diabetic eye screening. This allows the specialist to identify the cause and detect any early signs of diabetic eye disease before vision is affected.

To learn more about diabetic retinopathy, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options, visit https://moorfields.ae/service/retina/diabetic-retinopathy/

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How often should people with diabetes have an eye exam?

People with diabetes should undergo a comprehensive eye examination at least once every 12 months, even if their vision seems stable. During this exam, the ophthalmologist will assess the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels using advanced imaging techniques to detect early invisible changes to the naked eye.

Those who already show early signs of diabetic retinopathy or macular changes may be advised to attend check-ups more frequently, sometimes every six months or as their specialist recommends. Regular screening ensures that any progression of eye disease can be managed promptly, significantly reducing the risk of vision loss.

What are the early signs of diabetic eye disease?
In its early stages, diabetic eye disease often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, warning signs may include:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision that comes and goes.
• Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your field of vision.
• Reduced night or colour vision.
• Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects.

Any sudden change in vision should be considered a warning sign. Seeking prompt evaluation from an eye specialist can help detect whether these changes are linked to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or another underlying issue. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment before permanent damage occurs.

Can stable blood sugar really prevent eye disease?
Yes. Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range is one of the most effective ways to protect your eyes. Stable blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol help maintain the health of the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina.

Fluctuating or consistently high blood sugar can cause these vessels to swell, leak, or close off, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Over time, this may result in blurred vision or vision loss. By following a balanced diet, taking prescribed medication, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood glucose as advised by your doctor, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing sight-threatening complications such as diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.

Is vision loss from diabetes reversible?
The reversibility of vision loss depends on how early the condition is detected and treated. In its early stages, diabetic eye disease can often be managed successfully, with treatments such as laser therapy or intravitreal injections helping to stabilise or even improve vision.

However, the vision loss may become irreversible if the disease progresses to an advanced stage where significant damage has occurred (particularly to the retina or optic nerve). This is why early detection through regular eye screenings is so vital. Preventive care, timely diagnosis, and adherence to treatment plans offer the best chance of preserving clear sight for the long term.

How can workplaces support employees with diabetes?
Workplaces play a key role in supporting employees with chronic health conditions such as diabetes. A health-conscious environment can help individuals manage their conditions effectively while maintaining productivity.

Employers can:

• Encourage healthy meal and snack options in cafeterias or vending areas.
• Allow flexible scheduling for medical appointments or eye check-ups.
• Promote regular breaks during long periods of screen use to reduce eye strain and regulate blood sugar.
• Offer wellness initiatives that include diabetes awareness sessions or vision screening days.

Such measures not only support employees’ wellbeing but also improve morale, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall workplace efficiency. A culture that values health ultimately benefits both staff and organisation alike