According to a report published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 32% of adults aged 45 and above living with diabetes have cataracts. One of the most severe complications of uncontrolled diabetes is loss of vision. When blood sugar levels are high, it can damage the blood vessels in your eyes and lead to cataracts or even blindness. That’s why it’s so important to get early diabetes treatment and see a doctor regularly. If you have diabetes, be sure to ask your doctor about how you can protect your eyes.
Diabetes is a disease in which your body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it correctly. Insulin is a hormone that lets sugar into your body’s cells. If your body has less insulin, glucose can build up in your system, causing high blood sugar.
Common complications caused by diabetes include the following.
- Eye problems
A study by the National Eye Institute revealed that diabetic retinopathy is the primary cause of loss of eyesight in adults aged 20–74 years. Unchecked diabetes can also cause other eye-related complications like cataracts and glaucoma.
- Heart complications
Cardiovascular complications are a leading cause of mortality among people with diabetes. So, it is recommended to have regular check-ups for diabetes to avoid heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Nerve issues
High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage in the hands, feet, and brain, resulting in ulcers, dementia, and cognitive difficulties.
- Kidney-related complications
Uncontrolled amounts of glucose in the blood put a lot of stress on the kidneys, causing kidney failure.
Lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes and eye diseases
If you have diabetes, maintaining a healthy blood sugar level can help you avoid cataracts and other eye-related disorders. Regular blood sugar checks and timely diabetes medications are crucial to managing this health condition.
Speak with a diabetes doctor if your blood sugar stays high despite insulin intake or other diabetes treatments. Your medicine may require some adjustments.
Regular exercise also aids with blood sugar management. Physical activity aids your muscles in properly utilising glucose. It can help slow the progression of type 2 diabetes. Exercises to help control blood sugar include:
- Walking
- Biking
- Dancing
- Swimming
- Hiking
Getting comprehensive eye exams at least once a year, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels and quitting smoking can help protect your eyes.
Know when to contact a professional
Do not wait until your yearly examination to consult with a medical expert if you notice changes in your vision. To avoid the advancement of eye problems, make an appointment as soon as possible. An eye exam can aid in the diagnosis of vision-related issues.
If you or your loved one has diabetes and faces any problems with eyesight or other diabetes-induced complications, make sure you seek a second opinion from award-winning internal medicine doctors. A dietitian or trained diabetes care and education professional can assist you in developing a balanced diabetes meal plan if you’re having trouble controlling your blood sugar.
