When it comes to managing diabetes, we put all our focus on blood glucose levels. However, though it is important to focus on glucose levels, we cannot miss out on the things that are affected by those levels.
Did you know that your eye health can also be affected by your blood glucose levels?
It’s true!
Taking care of your vision is a very important part of overall diabetes management. Let’s dive into the connection between eye health and blood glucose and explore how you can protect your eyes.
Understanding the Link
If your blood glucose levels are high for a long period, it can damage the blood vessels that are responsible for nourishing the tissues of the eye, leading to one of the most common eye complications associated with diabetes—diabetic retinopathy.
But don’t you worry! With proper management and care, you can minimize the risk.
Let us look at a few ways that’ll help you keep your eyes in tip-top condition:
Maintaining Healthy Blood Glucose Levels
The best way to keep your eyes heathy is to keep your blood glucose levels in check.
- Monitor your blood glucose regularly
- Stick to a healthy eating plan, include physical activity
- Take the prescribed medications or insulin to keep your blood glucose levels in range
Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are crucial, as they help in detecting any changes or complications in the eye at an early stage. The American Diabetes Association recommends one dilated eye exam every year for people with diabetes.
Early detection can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes, so, do not skip those annual eye exams!
Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Management
Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels is essential for maintaining eye health. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels can contribute to eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy.
So, monitor your levels regularly and control them with the help of:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Medications
- Regular check-ups
Lifestyle Habits for Healthy Eyes
In addition to managing blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, there are some lifestyle habits you can adopt to promote eye health. These include:
- Don’t smoke: Smoking increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems. Quitting smoking can really help with keeping your eyes safe.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on nutrient-rich whole food. Also, consult with a registered dietitian to make sure your diet promotes good eye health.
- Protect your eyes from UV rays: Wearing sunglasses that provide UV protection when you’re outdoors keeps your eyes safe.
- Take breaks from digital screens: Staring at the screen for too long can strain your eyes. Follow the “20-20-20 rule”—after every 20 minutes, look away from the screen, and try to focus on an object that is 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
Conclusion
Remember that your eyes are precious, and that you need to take proactive steps to preserve them.
You can protect your eyes by:
- Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels
- Scheduling regular eye exams
- Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
- Adopting healthy lifestyle habits
