Sweet spot: How AI is revolutionising diabetes care for patients in Portsmouth
To mark Diabetes Awareness Month, Optegra Eye Health Care is highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the fight against diabetes, a condition which affects around 4.6 million people in the UK and puts them at higher risk of developing eye disease and vision loss.
Optegra, which has a hospital in Whiteley, says local diabetes patients could now benefit from new advances in AI. These developments are reshaping how the condition is detected, monitored and treated, making diabetes care smarter, safer and more supportive than ever before.
Key areas where AI is supporting diabetes care include:
- Analysing medical images and health records to quickly and accurately diagnose diabetes and eye-related complications such as diabetic retinopathy
- Creating personalised treatment plans including lifestyle information
- Improving continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) by predicting blood sugar trends and offering real-time alerts to patients and caregivers
- Helping identify patients at risk of complications, to allow early intervention
- Educational support, motivational coaching and symptom tracking
Dr Nabila Jones, Eye Sciences Associate at Optegra Eye Health Care, says: “The growing integration of AI in diabetes care is ushering in a new era of personalised, proactive and efficient healthcare.
“By harnessing AI’s capabilities, both patients and clinicians can expect greater accuracy, empowerment and a deeper understanding of diabetes management. As the healthcare landscape evolves, ongoing education, monitoring, and thoughtful regulation will ensure that AI’s benefits are as effective as possible.”
How can diabetes affect eyes?
The high blood sugar levels that characterise diabetes can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to several complications.
One of the most significant conditions caused by diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged due to prolonged high blood sugar. This can lead to vision loss if not managed properly, and early detection is key to prevention.
Optegra is reminding anyone in the UK aged 12 and over with diabetes that they are offered screening on an annual basis because:
- Diabetic retinopathy may not cause any symptoms in the early stages
- Screening can detect problems in the eyes before it affects your vision
- The condition, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, can lead to blindness
- If detected early, treatment can prevent or reduce the risk of vision loss
How can regular eye tests reveal diabetes?
As part of a regular eye health check, which all adults are recommended by the NHS to have every two years, your optometrist will dilate your pupils using drops to examine the back of the eye and take photographs. They may also perform a scan known as an OCT. These tests allow the optometrists to monitor the back of the eye and detect any changes such as diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and treatment can prevent sight loss.
Eye health checks can also detect cataracts even at early stages, which are more likely to occur with diabetes if blood sugar levels are unstable. The checks can also detect bleeds at the back of the eye and blood vessel changes due to high blood pressure or diabetes.
By having your eyes regularly checked, optometrists can see changes very early and sometimes start treatment before you notice any changes to the vision, helping to preserve sight.