Brazil Diabetes Day warns of stroke and blindness risks

Brazil marked National Diabetes Day on June 26 to raise awareness of the disease’s serious complications. Health officials noted that uncontrolled diabetes markedly raises the risk of stroke, as high blood‑sugar levels damage blood vessels, increase hypertension and cholesterol, and promote atherosclerosis. Neuro‑surgeon Orlando Maia emphasized the need for immediate medical attention when sudden weakness, speech trouble, vision changes, dizziness or severe headache occur.

The day also highlighted diabetic retinopathy, which the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology identifies as the leading cause of preventable blindness for people aged 20‑64. Ophthalmologist Dr. Antônio Sardinha explained that elevated glucose harms retinal vessels, often silently, and that about one‑third of diabetics will develop some degree of retinopathy. He urged annual eye exams, tight glycaemic control, blood‑pressure and cholesterol management, and cited laser photocoagulation and anti‑VEGF injections as effective treatments when disease is caught early.

Global figures from the International Diabetes Federation estimate 589 million adults worldwide currently have diabetes, a number projected to rise to 853 million by 2050. Brazilian health campaigns stress multidisciplinary care, lifestyle changes, and prompt treatment to reduce the risk of stroke, vision loss and other complications.