Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication that affects the eyes. It can damage the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye which is the retina.
“In most cases, poorly controlled blood sugar is a significant risk factor. Diabetes affects the blood vessels throughout the body, and the retina is not an exception. In this disease, the blood vessels in the retina leak fluid & blood cholesterol and lead to swelling. When it is untreated, it can lead to reduced function of the retina, and in advanced stages, it can result in severe bleeding and detachment of the retina,” said Dr P Suresh, HOD-Ophthalmology, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai.
Early Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy
According to Dr Suresh, some early symptoms include:
- Floaters
- Blurriness
- Hazy vision
- Dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colours
In the long run, it can also lead to difficulty reading, the sensation of floating multiple dots, and blindness.
Why Is Diabetes A Growing Problem In India?
Dr Suresh said, “India has a growing burden of diabetes. Nearly 11.4 percent of the population suffers from Diabetes, with an additional 35.5 percent of Indians suffering from Hypertension. According to JAMA Internal Medicine, the strain of abdominal obesity stands at 40 percent across the population, and female abdominal obesity is 50 percent, implying that Diabetes has the potential to impact a much wider number of people,” adding, with lifestyle changes like the absence of physical exercise, unhealthy diet, and lack of sleep, diabetes is also becoming a significant risk factor for a wide variety of non-communicable diseases. These diseases will eventually lead to a higher number of cases related to cardiovascular disease, Hypertension, and others.
Also read: World Diabetes Day 2022: Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Reversed, Answers Doctor
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes that Can Prevent/Stop DB?
As the cases of Diabetes are increasing, the number of patients suffering from DR are also on the rise. In addition, people who are diagnosed with Diabetes at a young age have a higher chance of contracting DR with time. Ahead are some lifestyle changes that can help to prevent/stop the progress of this condition:
Eat healthy meals
When a person has Diabetes, their body cannot maintain proper blood sugar levels because it cannot process glucose, or fails to produce insulin.
By adopting a healthier diet, diabetic patients can make a lot of progress in controlling their blood sugar levels. To do this, all meals must be high in nutrients and low in sugar. An ideal diet will include a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, and protein. Sugar, carbohydrates, and fats should be avoided.
Be proactive with healthcare
Regular health check-ups and routine eye exams are vital for everyone, but for those with Diabetes or Diabetic Retinopathy, frequent check-ups and eye exams are more essential. These eye tests will allow specialists to monitor the condition of the retina and check for any signs of complications or disease progression.
Diabetic patients must be proactive with their healthcare and take essential steps to control their blood sugar levels by constantly monitoring them.
Exercise Daily
To keep blood sugar at optimum levels, exercise is a great tool. When physically active, the body uses glucose, which naturally decreases blood sugar levels.
According to Dr Suresh, everyone should aim for at least 30 minutes of activity three to five days a week. However, this lifestyle habit is especially beneficial to diabetic patients.
Stop Smoking
Use of tobacco and smoking is a direct risk factor for DR. It is highly recommended that diabetic patients stop smoking as soon as possible because this can worsen their condition and create unnecessary complications.
Also read: Is Your Child Diabetic? Expert Explains Connection Between Diabetic Retinopathy And Preventive Tips
Manage Stress and Prioritise Sleep
Chronic stress and lack of sleep can negatively impact blood sugar levels and a person’s overall health. If you are prone to stress, practice stress-reduction techniques and get sufficient sleep to manage Diabetes better.
Retinopathy is a common disease that affects a lot of people, it can cause severe complications, including vision loss. However, serious complications are preventable with adequate preventive measures and regular eye doctor visits.