More Information Lions & Diabetes Awareness Information for Chairpersons Diabetes Facts Diabetes Screening Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) Recreational Camps Core 4 Grants Strides: Lions Walk

The UN General Assembly recently passed a landmark resolution recognizing the diabetes epidemic as a global threat.  It is estimated that more than 230 million people have diabetes.  This number is expected to rise to a staggering 350 million by 2025.

People with diabetes are at risk of losing sight due to diabetic retinopathy.  Diabetic retinopathy affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that transmits visual messages via the optic nerve to the brain.  When this delicate tissue is damaged by diabetic retinopathy, the result may be visual impairment or blindness.

Diabetes awareness was adopted as a long-term commitment of the association in March 1984. The primary objective of the Lions program is to reduce the number of new cases of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy through diabetes education, early detection and treatment, and support of research.

Lions are especially encouraged to conduct awareness activities in their communities throughout the year.  Lions Diabetes Education month is celebrated in November.  The new Strides: Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness program can help Lions to educate the public about diabetes and its prevention. 

Why is it important to know how diabetes affects the eyes?

If you have diabetes--or if someone close to you has this disease--you should know that diabetes can affect the eyes and cause visual impairment or blindness.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent or lessen damage to the eyes caused by diabetes. That is why it is so important for people with this disease to have a professional eye examination as soon as their diabetes is diagnosed, and at least once a year thereafter.

Annual eye examinations are especially important for people who have a high risk of developing eye complications from diabetes. Show the new DVD film, "Protect Your Vision: The Dilated Eye Exam" to Lions clubs and community residents.  To order your copy, complete the order form.

In addition, pregnancy is known to be a factor in the development or worsening of diabetic eye disease. There is evidence to suggest that high blood pressure and smoking may cause diabetic eye disease to worsen.

For more information on diabetes, click here.