Type 2 Diabetes - Is It Possible To Predict Who Will Develop Severe Eye Problems?

By Beverleigh H Piepers

One of the complications of Type 2 diabetes is called diabetic retinal neurodegeneration, meaning the back of the eye where light forms a picture, loses its nerve function as it becomes thinner. When this happens, the eye is unable to send images to the brain. One recent study showed this particular degeneration could be at least partially predicted by the presence of other complications, allowing doctors to know which specific people with Type 2 diabetes are particularly vulnerable.
In August of 2017, the journal Acta Diabetology published the results of a study conducted at Kyung Hee University Medical Centre in Seoul, Korea. One hundred and sixty-two people with Type 2 diabetes who had the condition for over 15 years, were carefully examined and their eyes photographed. Their results were measured against...

• their blood pressure (force of the blood against the walls of the arteries),
• diabetic retinopathy (caused by damaged blood vessels in the eyes),
• statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs),
• their kidney function (filtering waste from the blood),
• nerve function in their legs (three leg nerves for movement), and
• any heart nerve malfunction (heart requires constant adjustment in rate of beating)

All the above were linked with thinning of the retina. In particular leg and heart nerve function were most closely linked with thinned retinas.

The investigators concluded slowed nerve function raised the risk of having retinal thinning.

Type 2 diabetes is fraught with possible complications. This is why it is important to keep the condition under control, even before signs and symptoms of complications occur. As scientists continue to find connecting complications, doctors will be better able to predict which complications especially to watch out for.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common cause of preventable blindness, and anyone with the condition should have a thorough eye exam once a year or more if recommended. Keeping blood sugar levels and blood pressure under control are important ways of protecting your sight...

• normal blood sugar levels range between 70 and 99 mg/dL (3.9 and 5.5 mmol/L).
• after meals the number should not go above 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
• HbA1c, a measure of blood sugar control over the previous 3 to 4 months, should be under 7 percent to prevent complications.
• normal blood pressure for an adult should remain below 140/90.

Blood sugar can often be controlled with food choices, exercise, weight control, and medications when necessary. The same is true for blood pressure.
Now stop reading and go for a walk, ride a bicycle, or head for the gym. You will be glad you did.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

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