Healthy eyes with diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a disease associated with elevated blood sugar levels. There are two basic types – type 1 occurs when there is a lack of insulin and manifests itself in childhood, while type 2 is mainly related to obesity, an unhealthy lifestyle, and impaired insulin action. Both types carry the risk of serious complications.
Types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes – an autoimmune disease in which the body stops producing insulin. It often develops in childhood or adolescence.
- Type 2 diabetes – mainly associated with being overweight, lack of exercise, and poor diet. The body produces insulin, but the cells do not respond adequately to it.
One of the most common complications is diabetic retinopathy, which causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, but gradually it causes:
- deterioration of visual acuity,
- dark spots or blind spots in the field of vision,
- difficulty seeing in low light.
Regular eye examinations are crucial, as early detection of changes allows for treatment (medication, laser or surgery). Proper treatment of diabetes, exercise, diet and limiting risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also very important.
Antioxidants, which promote blood vessel elasticity and blood flow in the eye, can also help. Dietary supplements containing pine bark, green tea, or blueberry extract can slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy and help protect vision.
