Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the eye. The cause is the injury to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the rear of the eye. Initially, diabetic retinopathy may not exhibit any symptoms or may only cause minor visual impairments. However, it may lead to blindness.
Individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing the condition. The probability of developing this eye complication increases as the duration of diabetes and the level of blood sugar control decrease. Fortunately, there are a few precautionary measures that can be taken to prevent diabetic retinopathy. The following are a few of the most popular:
If your blood sugar is not under control, you are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. This is why it is recommended to use a continuous glucose monitor or check your blood sugar levels multiple times per day. For anyone who is stressed or ill, it would be ideal to check it more frequently.
It is advised that you make every effort to ensure that your blood sugar levels remain within the healthy target range. This level is typically between 80 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) before meals and is less than 180 mg/dL within 1-2 hours after each meal.
An excessive intake of sodium or salt in the diet can result in high blood pressure. It is possible that you will not experience symptoms that suggest a problem. In this regard, it is recommended to use herbs and seasonings for flavoring purposes rather than salt. Furthermore, the health of the small blood vessels in your eyes can be bolstered by low-salt diets, which reduce inflammation.
Your physician can administer a hemoglobin A1c test to ascertain your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Your goal should be to maintain an A1c score below 7%; however, it may be higher if you are elderly or have additional health conditions. It is imperative that you consult with your physician to determine your specific A1c objective.
If you already drink, it would be ideal to do so in moderation. Limit the intake of one serving per day for women and two servings per day for men. Alcohol can disrupt the effectiveness of diabetes medications or lead to severe drops in blood sugar. However, it is crucial to refrain from excessive consumption, as recent research suggests that moderate wine consumption may even aid in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy.