How Diabetes Can Impact Eye Health

From news.cuanschutz.edu

Just like in the rest of the body, blood vessels in the eyes can be affected by diabetes, explains CU ophthalmologist Niranjan Manoharan, MD.

In 2021, researchers estimated about 11.6% of the U.S. population had diabetes, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This chronic metabolic disease, which happens when the body’s glucose, or blood sugar, is too high, can affect organs across the body, including the eyes. Niranjan Manoharan, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, often treats patients who experiences these vision changes or ocular problems that manifest along with diabetes.

Sometimes he can be the first to spot diabetes, which doctors often say is a “silent” disease, in a patient.

“I've noticed this many times. Patients don't know they have diabetes until we find a problem in the eyes, but they don’t suspect they have diabetes because they haven't had routine care with their primary care doctor,” he says.

Manoharan explains some of the ways diabetes affects ocular health and why managing blood sugar and keeping up with primary care is crucial for vision and keeping the eyes healthy.

Can you explain why diabetes and eye health are connected?

Diabetes affects many organs in the body in a similar way. It essentially slowly damages the tiny blood vessels in the body, including the eyes. When those blood vessels are damaged, we can see a whole slew of problems, such as retinal damage to lack of perfusion, bleeding and swelling in the retina, retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataracts.

What are some symptoms patients in later stages of the disease experience?

In more serious cases and late term complications, the patient can experience retinal detachment or bleeding in the eye. This can be harmful to a person’s vision and cause irreversible blindness.

Are these diabetes-related conditions treatable and what does that treatment look like?

It’s critical to catch this disease early so we can work with primary care doctors and endocrinologists to get it under control before it leads to the damage we’ve talked about. If left untreated, a person could experience permanent vision loss.

There is a point in diabetes where there is early damage in the eye but the patient might not necessarily know it because they’ve been able to manage with their vision, but as ophthalmologists we can see the damage in the blood vessels. In these early stages, we can reverse that damage, but there becomes a point where we cannot.

In advanced stages, treatment is often a combination of surgery, laser, or injections in the eye. We see a lot of variability in the disease, so it really depends on the individual patient.

Patient education is crucial in diabetes and eye conditions that can follow. What should people know about screenings and preventative care?

Even if you feel like you're healthy and doing well, hypertension and diabetes are silent diseases. You don't know until there's end organ damage. That's when you start to feel it. By then, a lot of damage could already be done, and it's going to be harder to control.

A quick annual check-up with a primary care provider to check your blood pressure and glucose can go a long way, because if we can catch these early, subtle changes, it’s much easier to treat and manage.

https://news.cuanschutz.edu/ophthalmology/how-diabetes-can-impact-eye-health

USA: Get educated about diabetes and take control of this manageable disease

From eu.pressconnects.com

The numbers are staggering. Diabetes isn’t just a disease – it’s an epidemic, affecting over 38 million Americans with devastating consequences.

• 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed each year
• 11.6% of Americans had diabetes in 2023
• 97.6 million American adults are living with prediabetes

Diabetes is a progressive, chronic disease that you’ll need to manage independently day-to-day for the rest of your life. While that may sound overwhelming, with help from the team at the UHS Diabetes Center, it doesn’t have to be. Located at 93 Pennsylvania Ave. in Binghamton, the Diabetes Center has served the region since the 1970s. The center manages care for patients with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes who are 18 and older, whether they’re newly diagnosed or have lived with diabetes for many years. November is National Diabetes Month, a great time to make sure you are informed.

Types of diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake). This reaction stops your body from making insulin. Approximately 5-10% of the people who have diabetes have Type 1. Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age, and symptoms often develop quickly. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to take insulin every day to survive. Currently, no one knows how to prevent Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

With Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults (but more frequently in children, teens, and young adults). You may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get your blood sugar tested if you’re at risk. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as:

• Losing weight
• Eating healthy food
• Being active

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health problems. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. However, it increases your risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life. Your baby is more likely to have obesity as a child or teen and develop Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Prediabetes

In the United States, over 97 million adults — more than 1 in 3 — have prediabetes. More than 8 in 10 of them don’t know they have it. With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes raises your risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But there’s good news. If you have prediabetes, a lifestyle change can help you take healthy steps to reverse it.

Secondary Diabetes

Secondary diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs as a result of another medical condition or treatment, such as surgery or specific diseases. Surgical procedures like a pancreatectomy (partial or complete removal of the pancreas) can significantly reduce or eliminate the body's ability to produce insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and the onset of secondary diabetes. Similarly, cystic fibrosis can damage the pancreas over time, disrupting its normal function and contributing to the development of this condition. Management of secondary diabetes often requires insulin therapy to regulate blood glucose levels, as the body's natural insulin production is insufficient or completely absent due to the underlying cause.

A manageable disease

UHS-registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators note: Diabetes affects most activities of daily living. However, diabetes does not have to limit your dreams or ambitions: With a little planning, a person with diabetes can do anything. Our team helps patients learn techniques to self-manage their disease by monitoring blood sugar, eating healthfully, being active, taking medications, managing stress and prioritizing self-care to prevent or delay diabetes complications.

Diabetes can affect people at any age. Diagnosis usually occurs when an individual presents with symptoms such as blurry vision, increased thirst and urination, fatigue, hunger, drowsiness, slow-healing cuts or wounds, or numbness or tingling in the feet, prompting a provider to order a blood test. Adults 35 and older should be screened for diabetes regularly. It is important to have regular screenings for diabetes from your primary care provider, even if you have no symptoms, as many people do not realize they have elevated blood sugars.

Our Diabetes Center’s team includes endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, diabetes educators and a dietitian. For diabetes-related foot, eye, dental or mental health care, patients can be referred directly to UHS specialists.  The team creates an individualized treatment plan based on each patient’s needs, barriers and personal situation. Routine visits with the endocrinologist or nurse practitioner are scheduled every three to four months, and, between appointments, patients can call with questions or concerns. Direct connections to each patient’s primary care provider ensure that everyone involved in the patient’s care is on the same page.

UHS experts say that the disease process is ever-changing, and factors such as stress, pain, food, physical activity, illness, sleep and medications can affect blood sugar. Communication is key between the patient and their diabetes team – whether it’s to report blood sugars, discuss a concern, or discuss more affordable medication or treatments. UHS’ unique approach means patients can access comprehensive diabetes management and a diabetes education program all under one roof.

Recent advances in diabetes care technology means patients now have more options than ever for managing the disease:

• A continuous glucose monitor is a small sensor worn on the abdomen or back of the arm – it provides a glucose reading without a fingerstick (not all insurance plans cover this, so be sure to check with your carrier). Many continuous glucose monitors send glucose readings directly to a smart phone or receiver.
• Insulin pumps can help increase the time a person’s blood sugar is in range with advanced features such as stopping insulin delivery, increasing insulin delivery off of sensor readings or increasing insulin according to glucose readings.
• New glucose meters use less blood and connect to smart phone apps.
• Improved insulin pens make injections easier and allow concentrated insulin to be easily available. New oral and injectable medications are now available, which provide more treatment options for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
• Diabetes websites and apps help patients monitor and track their progress, provide increased resources for education, and engage patients in self-care.

“Diabetes is a chronic, debilitating disease, but with proper control and management, we can significantly improve outcomes and help patients lead healthier lives.” said Olayinka Wilhelm, MD of the UHS Diabetes and Endocrinology Center.

For more information on UHS Diabetes services, click here.

https://eu.pressconnects.com/story/sponsor-story/uhs/2024/11/04/get-educated-about-diabetes-and-take-control-of-this-manageable-disease/75964551007/ 

Early sugar restriction cuts adult diabetes risk by 35%, study finds

From jpost.com

Researchers analysed health data of 60,000 individuals born during UK sugar rationing after WWII

A new study published in the scientific journal *Science* on October 31, 2023, suggests that reducing sugar intake from conception through the first two years of life can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Conducted by a team led by Tadeja Gracner from the University of Southern California, the research found that limiting sugar exposure during this critical developmental period resulted in a 35% reduction in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes and a 20% reduction in hypertension later in life.

The researchers took advantage of a unique situation in the United Kingdom during and after World War II, where sugar rationing was in place until 1953. This "natural experiment" allowed them to analyse the long-term health effects of early sugar consumption. They examined the health data of over 60,000 individuals born between 1951 and 1956, comparing those exposed to sugar rationing in utero and early childhood to those who were not.

During the rationing period, British adults were allowed up to 40 grams of sugar per day, which is half the current average consumption and comparable to modern dietary guidelines. After the rationing ended, sugar consumption in the UK surged to around 80 grams (about 5.6 tablespoons) per day, nearly doubling almost immediately. This stark contrast in sugar intake provided a clear framework for the study.

The findings indicated that individuals born during the sugar rationing period had significantly lower rates of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Those who experienced limited sugar exposure in the first 1,000 days after conception had a 35% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and a 20% lower risk of hypertension compared to those born after the rationing ended. Additionally, the onset of these diseases was delayed—diabetes by an average of four years and hypertension by an average of two years.

"We found that early-life [sugar] rationing reduced diabetes and hypertension risk," the researchers wrote. They also noted that "avoiding sugar early in life delayed the onset of high blood pressure by two years and diabetes by about four years, with an average delay of four years for diabetes and two years for hypertension."

Experts highlight that the first 1,000 days are a crucial period for shaping a person's future health and establishing dietary preferences. Early exposure to sugar can influence metabolism and foster a lasting preference for sweet foods, making it harder to avoid sugary foods throughout life. Tadeja Gracner explained that "studies show that, although most humans like sweets, significant exposure to sugar early in life may strengthen that preference."

The protective effect was strongest for individuals whose sugar exposure was restricted both in utero and in the months after birth. Exposure in the womb alone accounted for nearly one-third of the reduction in risk. The researchers stated, "In-utero sugar rationing alone accounted for about one-third of the risk reduction." They also found that reducing sugar exposure after six months of age, likely coinciding with the introduction of solid foods, amplified the protective effects against diabetes and hypertension.

                                                               Boy with doughnuts. (Photo credit: Sharomka. Via Shutterstock)

While the study presents compelling evidence, the researchers acknowledged limitations. The analysis was based on self-reported health data from individuals born in the UK between 1951 and 1956, when "the type and availability of ultra-processed products could be very different from the current ones." Other social and nutritional factors may have also influenced the health outcomes observed.

Despite these limitations, the study adds to the growing body of evidence that nutrition in early life can significantly impact long-term health. It supports existing guidelines that recommend limiting added sugars, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. Current dietary recommendations in the United States advise that children under the age of two should have no added sugars at all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The researchers called on policymakers to hold "food companies accountable to reformulate baby foods with healthier options and regulate the marketing and tax sugary foods targeted at kids." They emphasized that "with better information, environment, and the right incentives, parents can more easily reduce sugar exposure for their kids and themselves."

Experts not involved in the study found the methodology solid and the results credible. Dr. Paul J. Gertler, one of the authors, emphasized, "Childhood sugar is as harmful to health as tobacco." He added that the research results could be grounds for food companies to make baby food healthier, regulate sugar-related marketing, or impose taxes on high-sugar foods.

The study underscores the importance of early dietary interventions in preventing chronic diseases. By reducing sugar intake during the critical development period from conception to two years of age, there is potential to significantly lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. As Tadeja Gracner concluded, "Our results contribute to this debate by linking sugar to health and highlighting the importance of early-life diet to manage the risk of metabolic diseases in the long term."

Sources: Der Standard, BBC, Folha de S.Paulo, ABC News, El Comercio Perú, People, ABC Digital, El Pais, La Opinión Digital, The Independent, Gazzeta.Ru

https://www.jpost.com/science/science-around-the-world/article-827319

November Marks American Diabetes Month: Why You Should Take Diabetes Seriously

From royalexaminer.com

You might not think much about diabetes if you don’t have it or don’t know someone seriously affected by it. Sure, many people with type 2 diabetes seem to manage well. But the reality is that diabetes is far from harmless—it’s a serious, often deadly condition. In 2021 alone, over 103,000 Americans died from diabetes, making it the eighth leading cause of death in the country. And the situation is worsening: diabetes-related deaths spiked by 17 percent in 2020 and by another 15 percent in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The Alarming Numbers

Currently, nearly 38.4 million Americans are living with diabetes, and millions more are at risk. Prediabetes is a silent condition affecting many, and it’s estimated that 9 percent of people with diabetes are undiagnosed, meaning they may not know they’re at risk of serious complications.

What to Watch For

If you’re overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have been feeling unusually fatigued, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor. They can run a simple blood test, like a glucose tolerance test, to see where you stand. Normal fasting blood glucose levels should range between 70 and 100 mg/dL. Levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, while levels of 126 mg/dL or higher point to diabetes.

Taking Control

The good news? Even if you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, you can prevent type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes. But it requires commitment. Here’s what you can do:

1. Get Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This doesn’t have to mean a rigorous gym routine. A brisk walk, bike ride, or a dance session at home all count. Starting now can prevent the need for stricter exercise routines down the road if diabetes develops.
2. Eat Healthier: Adjusting your diet is crucial. Add more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods to your meals. Cut back on sugary beverages like sodas and sports drinks, and limit white bread, rice, and pasta. Consulting a doctor or registered dietitian can help you craft a nutrition plan that works for you.
3. Lose Weight: Shedding even a small percentage of your body weight can have a big impact. Losing 5 percent of your weight can help, but dropping 10 percent reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a staggering 58 percent. Watching portion sizes and making healthy food swaps are key.

The Bottom Line

During American Diabetes Month, it’s a perfect time to focus on how diabetes affects every part of the body, from your heart and kidneys to your eyes and nerves. Early intervention and lifestyle changes can make all the difference. Don’t wait—schedule a check-up, know your numbers, and take steps toward a healthier, diabetes-free future.

https://royalexaminer.com/november-marks-american-diabetes-month-why-you-should-take-diabetes-seriously/ 

One fruit can tackle blood pressure, diabetes and memory with a serving a day

From getsurrey.co.uk

Just a handful of specific berries every day can greatly improve your mental and physical health

Recent research shows that eating a handful of blueberries a day can significantly improve your health. Blueberries, along with other red fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cherries, are well-known for their health benefits due to their high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre.

These characteristics make them ideal foods for preventing diseases and promoting overall good health. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that blueberries can improve blood pressure, endothelial function (a layer of cells lining all blood vessels that regulates exchanges between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues), and arterial stiffness.

A 2021 study published in Nutrients found that blueberries can improve glucose management and insulin levels. Another study published in Antioxidants found that blueberries can improve skin elasticity and reduce skin roughness.

The Nutrients study found that participants who ate just half a cup of blueberries a day for 12 weeks experienced improvements in learning, memory, and executive function: decision-making, planning, concentration, task management, etc. According to the study, titled Blueberry Supplementation in Midlife for Dementia Risk Reduction, researchers observed better performance in the study group consuming blueberries, and a reduction in memory encoding difficulty in daily life activities.

                               A handful of blueberries could go a long way in improving your health (Image: GETTY)

This evidence suggests that continuously eating blueberries may protect against cognitive decline when implemented early. However, blueberries are not magical, and genetics play an important role in the prevalence of dementia.

Beyond that, a large amount of research shows that diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle have a significant impact on improving or at least maintaining the effects of cognitive aging and memory. Some aspects you can improve to help your health include:

• A healthy diet can reduce age-related cognitive decline
• Exercise can delay or even reverse physical deterioration of your brain
• Getting enough sleep as a lack of quality rest is associated with accelerated brain atrophy and impaired brain functional connectivity
• Ditching alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs which directly affect the brain, causing it to age faster

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/health/one-fruit-can-tackle-blood-30278883