Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that not only affects yourblood sugar, but it can also affect your eyesight in the form of a condition known as diabetic retinopathy (diabetic retinopathy – Causes and Treatments). Diabetic retinopathy is the name given to the damage that occurs in the retina, as a direct result of complications related to diabetes. It is not a condition to be taken lightly, because in severe cases it can lead to blindness.
Diabetes and the eyes
Diabetes is a disease that impacts the production and utilization of insulin, and is characterized by fluctuating glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. When we eat carbohydrates like rice and bread, they are broken down into sugar, which the body needs for energy. The body’s normal response is to produce insulin, so that the sugar can enter the tissues.
However, if there is a lack of insulinor insulin resistance, then the sugar does not enter the cells, but stays in the blood. As a result, glucose levels remain high. Persistently high glucose levels can result in a blockage of the blood vessels, which can negatively impact the retina.
In order to work efficiently, the retina needs a regular supply of blood, which is provided by a network of tiny blood vessels. If these blood vessels contract or become blocked, then this results in a condition known as Diabetic Retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy
This condition is characterized by changes in the blood vessels of the eye. Diabetes may cause the blood vessels to swell or leak. In some individuals, the condition is further complicated by the growth of abnormal veins on the surface of the retina.
The retina needs blood to survive. If the blood vessels that supply it are damaged in any way, this will reduce the supply of blood and will lead to some loss of vision. Unfortunately, if diabetic retinopathy is not identified early then it can progress and cause symptoms such as blurred vision, poor night vision, and eye floaters (specks that float in your field of vision).
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy can be treated by controlling blood sugar and blood cholesterol. This will prevent the disease from progressing. However, in the advanced stages laser therapy isrecommended.
Diabetes can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle consisting of a diet consisting mainly of fruits and vegetables, along with regular exercise. It is best to consume few carbs and little or no sugar.
Diabetes and the eyes
Diabetes is a disease that impacts the production and utilization of insulin, and is characterized by fluctuating glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. When we eat carbohydrates like rice and bread, they are broken down into sugar, which the body needs for energy. The body’s normal response is to produce insulin, so that the sugar can enter the tissues.
However, if there is a lack of insulinor insulin resistance, then the sugar does not enter the cells, but stays in the blood. As a result, glucose levels remain high. Persistently high glucose levels can result in a blockage of the blood vessels, which can negatively impact the retina.
In order to work efficiently, the retina needs a regular supply of blood, which is provided by a network of tiny blood vessels. If these blood vessels contract or become blocked, then this results in a condition known as Diabetic Retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy
This condition is characterized by changes in the blood vessels of the eye. Diabetes may cause the blood vessels to swell or leak. In some individuals, the condition is further complicated by the growth of abnormal veins on the surface of the retina.
The retina needs blood to survive. If the blood vessels that supply it are damaged in any way, this will reduce the supply of blood and will lead to some loss of vision. Unfortunately, if diabetic retinopathy is not identified early then it can progress and cause symptoms such as blurred vision, poor night vision, and eye floaters (specks that float in your field of vision).
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy can be treated by controlling blood sugar and blood cholesterol. This will prevent the disease from progressing. However, in the advanced stages laser therapy isrecommended.
Diabetes can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle consisting of a diet consisting mainly of fruits and vegetables, along with regular exercise. It is best to consume few carbs and little or no sugar.
