If you have diabetes, you probably already have a sense of how crucial controlling your blood sugar is. But you might not know that the way you eat, how active you are, and the way you keep your blood sugar under control also can affect your eyes a great deal.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye disease that results from high blood sugar and can cause complete blindness. Over half of those suffering from diabetes will develop some kind of diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime. But do not worry, by making appropriate lifestyle adjustments and receiving the correct care, one can manage it and even avoid it completely.
Why Blood Sugar Control Matters
The key to preventing diabetic retinopathy begins with controlling your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is too high over a period of time, it may damage the small blood vessels of your retina (the light-detecting nerve tissue at the back of your eye). When these vessels get damaged, they may leak or bleed or prompt the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels that harm your vision.
The good news is that keeping your blood glucose levels within healthy limits helps minimize the risk of getting diabetic retinopathy. You can’t actually “cure” it, but the amount of effort to control your blood sugar goes a long way in preventing the disorder. It is all about the small steps you take every day, e.g., minding what you eat, staying physically active, and keeping a tab on medicine as prescribed by your physician.
Eating Well: A Small Change, Big Impact
You may believe that what you eat doesn’t impact your eyes, but the right diet can make all the difference. A proper, nutrient-rich diet can control your blood sugar, keep you healthy, and safeguard your eyes.
- Omega-3 Rich Foods: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish (such as salmon and mackerel), walnuts, and chia seeds reduce inflammation and aid your eye health.
- Leafy Greens and Colorful Vegetables: Vegetables such as spinach, kale, and carrots are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which serve to shield your eyes and protect them from any harm, they’re also great for reducing your blood sugar.
- Fruits: Berries, apples, and citrus fruits are rich in vitamins such as vitamin C, which can strengthen your immune system and maintain healthy eyes.
- Whole Grains: Foods like brown rice, quinoa, and oats can help keep your blood sugar stable and make it easier to manage your diabetes.
By focusing on eating nutrient-rich, whole foods, you’re giving your body and your eyes the best chance for good health. A healthy diet isn’t just about controlling your blood sugar—it’s about nurturing your overall well-being.
The Power of Exercise: Moving for Better Health
Exercise is another important component of diabetes, and helps in controlling and protecting your eyes. When you are active, your body is better able to use insulin, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, regular exercise can also improve blood circulation, including circulation in your eyes.
The American Diabetes Association suggests a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, which can include brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. You don’t need to do it all at once, though—just try to do about 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Exercise not only will help you with controlling your blood sugar, but it will also reduce the risk of heart disease, which is common in people with diabetes. If you’re new to exercise, start slow and talk to your doctor before beginning any new fitness routine to make sure it’s safe for you.
Blood Sugar Management: The Key to Prevention
At the heart of it all is controlling your blood sugar level. Maintaining your blood sugar and keeping it stable is the best way to prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy. This can be done by checking your blood sugar regularly, following a complete medication regimen, and opting for a healthy lifestyle.
Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential for managing your diabetes, and you should also take care of any issues with your blood pressure or cholesterol. The greater your general health is, the better your eyes will be.
Don’t Skip Your Eye Exams
When managing diabetes, it can be simple to neglect your eye health, but routine eye exams are essential. An annual complete eye exam is crucial since diabetic retinopathy frequently manifests in its early stages without any noticeable symptoms.
At Tandon Eye Hospital, our specialists are capable of performing extensive exams to verify the early onset signs of diabetic retinopathy as well as other diabetic-related eye problems. Detection at the earliest makes all the difference, so if you’ve experienced anything in your line of sight—such as blurring vision, spots floating by, or the inability to see during nighttime hours—don’t delay in visiting our hospital for an appointment. The earlier we detect the problem, the higher the chance of preserving your vision.
Living Well with Diabetic Retinopathy
Managing diabetic retinopathy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on a healthy diet, staying active, monitoring your blood sugar, and keeping up with your eye exams, you’re already taking steps to protect your eyes and your health.
At Tandon Eye Hospital, we know that diabetes can be tough, and we’re here to help you through it. If you need to see an eye doctor, have diabetic retinopathy treated, or just some guidance on how to live your best life with diabetes, we’ve got you covered.
Reach Us Today
If you have diabetes or are worried about your eye care, don’t hesitate—call us at Tandon Eye Hospital. We want to help you have healthy eyes for a lifetime. Call today to book an appointment or get more information on our services.
