In the video above Dr. Imran Haq explains what Diabetic Retinopathy is and how you can manage it.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can causeblindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.

However, it usually takes several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight.

To minimise the risk of this happening, people with diabetes should:

• ensure they control their blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol

• attend diabetic eye screening appointments – screening is offered to all people with diabetes aged 12 and over to pick up and treat any problems early on

Am I at risk of diabetic retinopathy?

Anyone with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes is potentially at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

You're at a greater risk if you:

• have had diabetes for a long time

• have a persistently high blood sugar (blood glucose) level

• have high blood pressure

• have high cholesterol

• are pregnant

• are of Asian or Afro-Caribbean background

By keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, you can reduce your chances of developing diabetic retinopathy.