Diabetes Awareness Month: Diabetic Retinopathy

Every November, we bring attention to the effects of diabetes which affects millions worldwide. Type 2 diabetes and other diet-related chronic diseases pose a significant and escalating public health challenge. The reasons behind the rising rates are complex and multifactorial, including various social and economic factors that influence health and well-being.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to numerous health issues, one of the most serious being vision loss. Thankfully, this is preventable even if you have diabetes. Here is what you need to know about it and how to prevent it:

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes eye disease, also known as diabetic retinopathy, occurs when blood sugar levels are too high for too long. A person with a long history of diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetes, has a longer time with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, thus putting them at a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy. 

Early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include blurred vision, seeing spots (floaters), and dark areas in vision. However, some people can have diabetic retinopathy even without any of these symptoms. Still, early detection is crucial to slowing the progression of this disease, so regular checkups are necessary to best preserve vision.

How to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?

1. Stay on top of your annual blood work or whenever your health provider recommends one. This will help not only detect diabetes but any other risk factors that may increase your chances of getting diabetes.
2. Stay on top of your annual eye exam. If you have known diabetes, opt for the dilation eye exam to best detect diabetic retinopathy.
3. Manage your blood sugars through diet, exercise, and medication use if needed. Strengthening exercises decrease blood sugar levels even if you have insulin resistance.
4. If recommended by a healthcare provider, check your blood sugar levels at home to make sure you are staying in a safe range. Consult a professional if you are consistently over the range they recommend.
5. Manage high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are strongly associated with other metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
6. Update and meet with your diabetes care team as recommended. The best cure is prevention, so utilize your resources to ensure you are on the right track to prevent diabetic retinopathy. 

If you need help managing your diabetes or if you want to prevent diabetes, consider physical therapy and dietary services to help aid your journey. These services can provide you with tailored exercise plans and nutrition guidance that suit your individual needs. By incorporating these strategies, you can improve your overall health and enhance your ability to manage or prevent diabetes effectively.

References:

1. Minnesota Diabetes News: Fall 2024. Minnesota Department of Health. Published 2024. Accessed October 21, 2024. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDH/bulletins/3b9845e