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Ask the Optician

Diabetes

On 3 March 2011 by Nigel Best

Question

What is diabetes?

Answer Video and written answer:
Qualified optometrist Nigel Best BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBCLA FAAO answers this question:

At its simplest diabetes is an inability to metabolise the sugars and carbohydrates in the body as a result of a lack of the hormone insulin. It affects 1-2 percent of the population in the UK. There are two forms of diabetes, known as Type I and Type II. Type I (insulin-dependent diabetes) commonly appears in younger people (10-20 years) and Type II (non-insulin-dependent diabetes) commonly in older people. Type II can sometimes be controlled by careful control of diet.

For more information about diabetes, see our video below:

Optician's Biography

Nigel Best BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBCLA FAAO has worked as an optometrist at Specsavers for 18 years. He is currently the Director of Specsavers Optometrists in Darlington and Richmond (N.Yorks), a College of Optometrists supervisor and a member of the Optometry in Practice editorial board. He has written papers published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and regional training events. He has written a number of contributions to optical and medical publications for the public, including sections on eyes and eye diseases for a Reader’s Digest guide.

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