Based on ADA statistics, there are bout 20.8 million people in the United States who have diabetes. For you percentage people out there, that's roughly 7 percent of the total U.S. population. That figure represents the almost 15 million people who have been diagnosed and the estimated 5 to 6 million people who are not aware that they have the disease. This lack of awareness can of course lead to an increased risk for complications. But, for those individuals who are aware that they have diabetes but still do not seek regular treatment, risk of complications are also great. This is particularly true when it comes to diabetic retinopathy.

Affecting up to 24,000 new people each year, diabetic retinopathy is a degenerative disease of the retina that can sometimes lead to blindness. But, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, permanent blindness from retinopathy can be prevented if it is diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Because only 60 percent of people with diabetes have their eyes tested annually, many cases of blindness could be avoided if that percentage was much higher, doctors say. In fact, studies show that regular treatments, including an annual eye dilation and exam, can reduce the chance of severe vision loss by almost 94 percent. And, with more advanced treatment, such as the method highlighted in Allie's post below, we will hopefully see a day where blindness becomes a thing of the past.