5 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes as a Diabetic

In India, there are estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years are suffering from diabetes (type 2) and nearly 25 million are prediabetics (at a higher risk of developing diabetes in near future). More than 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status which leads to health complications if not detected and treated early.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (Type 1) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2). Under normal body circumstances, insulin, a hormone secreted by pancreas, regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially nerves and blood vessels. Obesity, especially central obesity and increased visceral fat due to physical inactivity, and consumption of a high-calorie/high-fat and high sugar diets are major contributing factors.

High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, a serious condition that can cause blindness if left untreated. In addition to retinopathy, diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Therefore, it's important for people with diabetes to take care of their eyes to maintain healthy vision. Here are 4 tips for maintaining healthy eyes as a diabetic. So, let's get started!

1. Manage your blood sugar levels:

The most important thing you can do to protect your eyes is to manage your blood sugar levels. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular physical activity can all help. Keep track of your blood sugar levels to see what makes them go up or down. Eat at regular times, and don't skip meals. Follow your treatment plan, take your medication as prescribed, and make healthy lifestyle choices.

Only a third of individuals with known diabetes in India have good control over the disease, a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation suggested. If you have diabetes, lowering blood sugar isn't just a short-term goal — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it helps prevent or delay diabetes complications, including heart, kidney, eye, and nerve diseases. It can change the course of the disease entirely.

2. Monitor your blood pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia) can also increase the risk of eye problems in people with diabetes. These factors along with obesity share a number of common causes and risk factors like unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle and oor sleep. A person who has one condition is at an increased risk for developing the other. Likewise, a person who has both conditions may find that each condition worsens the other.

About two-thirds of adults with diabetes have blood pressure greater than 130/80 mmHg or use prescription medications for hypertension. Diabetes causes damage by scarring the kidneys, which in turn leads to salt and water retention, which in turn raises blood pressure. Over time, diabetes damages the small blood vessels, causing the walls of the blood vessels to stiffen and function improperly. These changes contribute to high blood pressure. The combination of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can greatly increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

People with high blood pressure usually have insulin resistance and have an increased risk of developing diabetes compared to those with typical blood pressure. This may be due to bodily processes that link both conditions, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, activation of the immune system, disease or thickening of the blood vessels and obesity. So while hypertension might not cause diabetes directly, it could increase the risk of someone developing diabetes if they have high blood pressure

3. Monitor your blood lipids:

Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood. Your body makes it. Cholesterol isn’t a bad substance. It helps make the outer layer of our cells and helps make certain vitamins and hormones. It’s also in meat, cheese, and other foods from animals. But too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to health issues.

The American Heart Association (AHA) states that diabetes often lowers HDL (good) cholesterol levels and raises triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Both of these increase the risk for heart disease and stroke.

Diabetes damages the lining of your arteries. This means it's more likely that cholesterol will stick to them, making them narrow or even blocked. One reason diabetes is linked with heart disease is because people with diabetes tend to have LDL particles that are smaller and denser than those who don’t. This gives it more of a chance to invade blood vessel walls and create plaque in your arteries.

If you have diabetes, you will usually have lower levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and higher levels of LDL/non-HDL (bad) cholesterol. Clinical studies have shown that increased cholesterol levels lead to deterioration of glucose tolerance, and that a high total cholesterol (TC) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio can predict type 2 diabetes.

In addition to making lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend you take medication to improve your cholesterol levels.

4. Get regular eye exams:

People with diabetes should get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, or more frequently as recommended by their eye doctor. You may not notice that your eyes are damaged until the problem is very bad. Your eye doctor can catch problems early if you get regular eye exams. This is very important. The early stages of diabetic retinopathy don't cause changes in vision and you won't have symptoms. Only an eye exam can detect the problem, so that steps can be taken to prevent the eye damage from getting worse.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with type 1 diabetes have their first eye exam within the first five years after diagnosis. If you have type 2 diabetes, the ADA recommends that you have your first eye exam shortly after you receive a diagnosis. This is because type 2 diabetes often goes undetected and undiagnosed for years. Diabetic retinopathy may have already begun during that time.

During an eye exam, your eye doctor will specifically focus on the health of your retina and integrity of the blood vessels in your eye. A dilated eye exam helps. If your doctor does find evidence of diabetic retinopathy, you may undergo further evaluation like fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to find the exact severity of the disease. This aids in the correct staging and treatment.

Women who are pregnant and have diabetes may experience more issues with diabetic retinopathy than women who have diabetes and aren’t pregnant. Your doctor may suggest that you have additional eye exams during your pregnancy.

5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for people with diabetes, as it can help manage their blood sugar levels and prevent or delay the development of diabetes-related complications.

Healthy eating:

A balanced and nutritious diet can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. People with diabetes should aim to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while avoiding or limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and trans fats.

Regular exercise:

Physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and other complications associated with diabetes. People with diabetes should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

Maintaining a healthy weight:

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.

Managing stress:

Chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels and make it harder to manage diabetes. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can help improve blood sugar control and overall health.

Quitting smoking:

The role of smoking as a potential risk factor for diabetic retinopathy has been established in patients with type 1 diabetes, but its role is disputed in patients with type 2 diabetes, with many studies reporting no association or even a decreased risk of developing retinopathy in smokers.

Insulin helps blood sugar enter cells, but nicotine changes cells so they don't respond to insulin, which increases blood sugar levels. Chemicals in cigarettes harm cells in your body and cause inflammation. This also makes cells stop responding to insulin. Smoking increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and can worsen diabetes-related complications. Quitting smoking can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and other complications associated with diabetes.

In conclusion, for people with diabetes, taking care of their eyes is crucial to ensure that their vision remains clear and healthy. The tips discussed above, such as controlling blood sugar levels and getting regular eye exams, are all key components of maintaining healthy eyes as a diabetic. By following these steps and working closely with your doctors, one can reduce the risk of serious eye complications and enjoy optimal vision for years to come. By prioritising eye health, individuals with diabetes can ensure that their eyes remain not just a window to the soul, but also a window to a vibrant, active, and fulfilling life.

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