November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes and promote preventive care for related health issues, including vision loss. According to the NIDDK, diabetes affects approximately 38 million Americans, including both adults and youth. It’s also one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Beyond the statistics, diabetes brings a range of complications that are often overlooked, including its serious impact on eye health. In this blog, we’ll explore what diabetes is, the eye conditions most linked to it, and how you can manage your health to protect your vision.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose levels are too high. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or use it effectively, resulting in glucose remaining in the blood instead of being utilized for energy. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious health complications over time, including organ and tissue failure.
Here’s a quick overview of the types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It typically develops in children and young adults. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily, and there is currently no known prevention or cure.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when the body can’t properly use insulin, leading to insulin resistance and, eventually, exhaustion of the pancreas. It can often develop without symptoms, but it’s manageable and even preventable through lifestyle changes.
- Gestational diabetes occurs when the placenta produces hormones that cause higher insulin resistance during pregnancy. It usually resolves after delivery, but it may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
The Link Between Diabetes and Vision Loss
In addition to its overall health impacts, diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing severe eye conditions that can lead to vision loss. One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR), which can lead to vision impairment or even blindness. A 2021 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology estimated that 9.6 million people in the U.S. have diabetic retinopathy.
DR occurs when high blood glucose levels damage the retinal blood vessels. This condition can affect anyone with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, and often impacts both eyes. Common symptoms include blurred vision, spots or floaters, darkened vision, and vision loss.
Other diabetes-related eye conditions include:
- Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication of DR. It occurs when fluid builds up in the macula, causing swelling and vision loss, which often leads to blurry or wavy central vision.
- Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s lens. Common symptoms are blurry or double vision, light sensitivity, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colors.
- Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. Because vision loss is often gradual and painless, regular eye exams are essential. Diabetes also doubles the risk of developing glaucoma.
Managing Your Diabetes and Protecting Your Eye Health
The good news is that effectively managing your diabetes through regular blood glucose monitoring, medication, and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and other related conditions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend annual comprehensive eye exams. These exams are crucial for detecting early signs of diabetic eye disease, monitoring its progression, and providing you with peace of mind about your eye health. It’s equally important to learn about the type of diabetes you have, as this knowledge will help you care for yourself and advocate for your needs more effectively.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for managing diabetes. Depending on your individual circumstances, your healthcare provider may suggest meeting with a nutritionist. Outlook Enrichment is here to support your health and wellness journey, offering adaptive recreation classes, healthy cooking sessions, and a variety of peer support groups.
You can use personal assistants like Alexa to help manage your care, along with tools like ScripTalk, Spoken RX, braille, and large print materials to identify your medications safely. Additionally, there are accessible monitoring devices and insulin-measuring tools available, many of which can connect to your smartphone. Ultimately, it’s essential to create a medication management routine that works for you.
Managing diabetes involves more than just regulating blood glucose; it’s also about safeguarding your entire body, including your eyes.
Living with diabetes is a journey, one that requires care, education, and support. Diabetic eye disease can be overwhelming, but early detection, informed lifestyle choices, and the use of community resources can make a significant difference.
This National Diabetes Month, let’s not only raise awareness but also take action. Prioritize your health by scheduling an eye exam, asking your doctor questions, and seeking the support you need. If diabetes has affected your vision, remember that you’re not alone. Schedule a meeting with Outlook Enrichment today.
References:
- S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024).National Diabetes Month 2024. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month
- Lundeen EA, Burke-Conte Z, Rein DB, et al. Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the US in 2021. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2023;141(8):747–754. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.2289
