Diabetic Retinopathy: Manage your blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy
Highlights
- Diabetes can affect your eyes as well and result in diabetic retinopathy
- You need to manage your blood pressure as well to avid vision loss
- If you are a diabetic do not smoke to prevent blindness
Diabetes can lead to a serious condition called diabetic retinopathy. It is a condition which can affect the eyes of a diabetic patient. The high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels of the eye. It leads to damage in the retina. Initially, the noticeable symptom includes blurry vision. If left untreated, this condition can even lead to complete blindness. One can also experience dark spots and colour blindness. Better management of blood sugar levels can help one prevent vision loss. But if you a diabetic you must visit a doctor once a year and get your eyes tested. Some minor dietary and lifestyle modification can help you reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Ways to prevent diabetic retinopathy
1. Control your blood pressure
If you are a diabetic you need to control your blood pressure as well. High blood pressure is also a contributing factor to diabetic retinopathy. You can control your blood pressure through various ways. Eat a healthy and balanced diet and indulge in some exercise to keep your blood pressure under control.
Also read: Best Exercises For Diabetics To Maintain Weight And Blood Sugar Levels
2. Monitor your cholesterol levels
Along with blood sugar levels and blood pressure you need to maintain your cholesterol levels well. If you are overweight try to shed the extra kilos. Your diet will influence your cholesterol levels. Eat a healthy diet which is high in fibre to keep cholesterol under control.
Also read: Black Chickpea For Diabetes: Control Your Blood Sugar Levels With Kala Chana; What Is The Right Time To Eat And How
3. Quit smoking
Smoking can make the condition worse. It can increase the complications of diabetes. To prevent diabetic retinopathy you need to quit smoking immediately. If you are too much addicted to tobacco use then you must seek a doctor for help.
Smoking an trigger the complications of diabetes
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Keep a check on the changes
If you are a diabetic you need to monitor the changes which are happening. Monitor your eyesight on a regular basis. If you experience any kind of blurriness or dark spots you must consult your doctor immediately. You should never ignore any eye condition if you are diabetic.
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5. Control blood sugar levels
The best way to manage diabetes is by controlling blood sugar levels. To prevent diabetic retinopathy as well you need to manage your blood sugar levels. Better blood sugar levels will result in reduced risk of diabetic retinopathy. You should keep a check on your blood sugars on a regular basis and eat a diet high in fibre to keep them under control.
Early prevention can help you control diabetic retinopathy and prevent vision loss. If you are a diabetic you must visit an eye doctor once a year. If you notice some problems related to vision you need to get yourself tested to avoid vision loss.
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