Know your risk ... know your response
Published:Wednesday | November 22, 2023 | 12:06 AM
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY is one of the most common complications of diabetes. It is an eye condition that affects blood vessels in the retina, the innermost layer lining the back of the eye. It occurs due to damage to the small capillaries that supply blood to the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye. If glucose levels remain high in the blood over a sustained period of time, the blood vessels suffer damage.
Most patients with diabetic retinopathy do not develop any symptoms initially. However, if left undiagnosed, diabetic retinopathy may result in vision loss and even blindness.
It is therefore important to be aware of the various ways to prevent diabetic retinopathy. According to Dr Seslyn Maylor, optometrist, there are several things that can help you prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy and minimise your risk of complications, including vision loss.
REGULARLY CHECK YOUR HAEMOGLOBIN
“Good control of blood glucose and blood pressure greatly reduces the risk of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. These should be regularly monitored. It is also important to regularly check your haemoglobin A1C (glycosylated haemoglobin) levels which indicates your average blood glucose levels during the last two to three months,” Dr Maylor said.
The regular use of oral anti-diabetic drugs or insulin injections, as recommended by your physician, is essential for controlling diabetes. This will help you maintain your blood sugar levels within normal limits and minimise the risk of damage to the retina.
“There are various types of drugs that can help in different ways to lower your blood sugar. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of medications or one medication may be enough. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need insulin and possibly drugs to keep your blood pressure under control. For people with type 2 diabetes, the doctor may prescribe insulin when needed or metformin or other non-insulin medications to help control blood sugar levels,” Dr Maylor said.
Adopting healthy dietary habits is the key to good diabetes care and prevention of diabetes complications like diabetic retinopathy. Limit your intake of foods containing simple sugars such as cakes, chocolates and pastries in order to maintain normal blood sugar levels to prevent retinopathy.
“On the other hand, increase your consumption of foods rich in dietary fibres such as vegetables, legume and whole grains to improve glycaemic control. Foods rich in fibres help to maintain normal blood sugar levels, thus preventing the risk of retinopathy,” Dr Maylor said.
CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
The risk of diabetic retinopathy is also directly linked to the presence of increased cholesterol levels. Many connect cholesterol with it clogging up our arteries and contributing to long-term health problems. This is what the LDL (bad) cholesterol does. Healthy levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, on the other hand, are vital for our cells to function.
Making regular physical activities a part of your routine can improve your fitness and enhance glycaemic control. It also increases the calorie utilisation by your body and prevents spikes in blood sugar levels. All of this helps to prevent diabetic retinopathy.
“Simple activities like walking, running, cycling, and swimming for at least 30 to 40 minutes every day helps to avoid diabetic complications,” Dr Maylor said.
Maintaining a normal body weight by following healthy dietary habits and regular exercise will keep your diabetes in control and prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy. Weight loss involves the faster burning of fats. It can help to protect the body’s tissues against inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. It enables insulin to enter cells and support the metabolism of sugars allowing your body to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
Diabetes and hypertension often go hand in hand. It seems that having hypertension increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and having type 2 diabetes has been known to increase the risk of hypertension.
“The risk of diabetic retinopathy is higher in patients who suffer from both diabetes and hypertension. Hence, it is advisable to monitor your blood pressure at regular intervals and seek appropriate treatment in case you are diagnosed with hypertension,” Dr Maylor said.
Monitoring blood sugar levels and controlling your diabetes through healthy dietary and lifestyle habits are the keys to preventing the development of diabetic retinopathy and protecting yourself against complications like vision loss and blindness.
If you experience any change in the vision or develop symptoms like blurring of vision, contact your physician or ophthalmologist at the earliest. These could be the early warning signs of diabetic retinopathy. Timely detection and treatment would help you avoid worsening of the condition and prevent vision loss.