Synopsis for November 2, 2006

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EST.

1. Correctable Visual Impairment among Persons with Diabetes – United States, 1999-2004 2005
2. Nutritional and Health Status of Children During a Food Crisis – Niger, 2005

Correctable Visual Impairment among Persons with Diabetes – United States, 1999-2004 2005

Two-thirds of cases of poor vision among people with diabetes could be corrected with accurately prescribed glasses or contact lenses. Health service providers and people with diabetes need to be more aware that poor vision is often easily correctable and that simple visual corrections can reduce the risk for injury and improve the quality of life for many people with diabetes. This is the first nationally representative study to estimate the proportion of visual impairment that may be easily correctable among U.S. adults with diabetes. The results showed that among U.S. diabetics aged 20 years or older who were not completely blind, unable to see in both eyes, or with a severe infection in one or both eyes, 11 percent had visual impairment and that approximately 66 percent of these cases of visual impairment were easily correctable. This research indicates a need for enhanced vision-related public health interventions, such as vision screening, among adults with diabetes. Also, early detection and timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of legal blindness in the United States, remains an essential component of diabetes care and management.

Nutritional and Health Status of Children During a Food Crisis – Niger, 2005

In Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world, an acute and chronic nutrition crisis was found during this survey, with devastating consequences for child survival, growth and development. In September and October of 2005 an emergency survey was conducted in Niger to evaluate the magnitude and severity of malnutrition during a food crisis, as well as to provide information on the potential underlying causes of malnutrition in young children. The study found widespread chronic and acute malnutrition as well as high morbidity rates. The findings are important because the government of Niger and United Nations agencies used them to plan nutrition programs for 2006 and 2007. The study suggests that future programs need to address nutrition, food and health issues. Also, the study suggests that public health interventions are needed to improve access and availability to basic health services.

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