Type 2 Diabetes timeline: What happens inside the body in the first 10 years after diagnosis

From indianexpress.com

Understand how the first decade of diabetes silently shapes your long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health

A diabetes diagnosis often feels like a single moment in time, but its impact unfolds gradually inside the body over the years. What makes this condition particularly complex is that much of the early damage is not immediately visible. While blood sugar levels may fluctuate day to day, the long-term effects build silently.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

In the first decade after diagnosis, the body begins to adapt — and sometimes struggle — with persistently elevated glucose levels. Understanding this timeline is essential, not to alarm but to inform. From early metabolic changes to potential complications involving internal organs, the first ten years can set the tone for long-term health outcomes. With the right interventions, some of these effects can be delayed or even prevented, but it requires clarity on what is happening beneath the surface and when.

             Diabetes can quietly affect multiple organs over time (Source: AI Generated)

Key internal changes happening in the body

Kanikka Malhotra, Consultant Dietician & Diabetes Educator, tells indianexpress.com, “Most people assume diabetes is simply about managing sugar levels, but what is actually happening inside the body tells a far more complex story. In the first 5 to 10 years after diagnosis, chronically high blood glucose quietly begins damaging the body’s infrastructure from the inside out.”

She adds that one of the earliest changes happens in the blood vessels. Sugar molecules attach themselves to proteins and fats in a process called glycation, gradually making blood vessels stiffer and narrower. This affects both the large vessels supplying the heart and brain and the tiny capillaries serving the eyes, kidneys and nerves. “The nervous system begins taking hits too, particularly in the feet and hands, often without any obvious symptoms for years. The kidneys start showing early signs of stress. The eyes develop fragile, leaky blood vessels. And running beneath all of this is a steady current of systemic inflammation that silently accelerates the damage, while the pancreas continues losing its ability to produce insulin on its own.”

Which organs are most vulnerable to early damage?

What makes diabetes particularly unforgiving is how quietly it works. By the time most people feel something is wrong, significant internal damage may already have taken place over several years. Malhotra stresses, “The kidneys are often among the first to suffer. High blood sugar puts relentless pressure on their delicate filtering units, and without intervention, this progresses from early warning signs in urine tests to serious kidney disease over time.”

She adds that the eyes follow a similar silent path. Retinal blood vessels weaken, bleed or grow abnormally, and vision loss can set in well within the first decade if blood sugar remains uncontrolled. The heart and arteries age faster under diabetic conditions, sharply raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes. “The nerves in the feet deteriorate gradually, sometimes to the point where injuries go completely unnoticed, raising the risk of serious infections and amputations. The liver, too, tends to accumulate fat, which worsens insulin resistance and creates a damaging cycle. The sobering reality is that most of this damage builds up in complete silence.”

Lifestyle changes to slow down or prevent long-term complications

The first ten years after a diabetes diagnosis are not just a period of damage; they are genuinely the most powerful window of opportunity to change the trajectory of the disease. Malhotra notes, “Scientists call this the legacy effect, meaning the habits and choices made early on leave a lasting biological imprint on how the disease unfolds for decades to come. Food and nutrition are the most powerful tools available. A plan built around whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats helps stabilise blood sugar, calm inflammation and protect blood vessels.”

Even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of body weight can meaningfully improve how the body responds to insulin and reduce pressure on the kidneys, heart and liver. “Regular movement, both walking and strength-based exercise, helps muscles absorb glucose more effectively and brings down HbA1c levels. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol together is critical, as all three compound the damage when left unchecked. From my perspective, the simplest daily habits, including consistent meal timings, cutting back on ultra-processed foods and staying well hydrated, are far from small. Done consistently, they are genuinely life-changing,” concludes Malhotra.

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/diabetes-timeline-first-10-years-after-diagnosis-body-effects-10691052/

Diabetes isn’t just about sugar, it impacts every organ

From gulfnews.com

Dr Uwe Dalichow

Eyes, kidneys, heart and nerves are particularly at risk 

When people hear diabetes, they think blood sugar, diet, and medication. In fact, diabetes is a condition that affects the whole body. Over time, it can quietly impact several organs, in particular your eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves, and more.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death globally. In the UAE, where chronic diseases are rising, underestimating diabetes can have real consequences. For roughly 16 per cent of adults living with diabetes, complications can limit independence, reduce quality of life, and increase healthcare needs - often before symptoms are obvious.

Silent Damage from Diabetes

High blood sugar and high blood pressure can affect small and large blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain.

· Eyes: Damage to tiny retinal vessels can lead to diabetic retinopathy and more than 60 per cent of people with type-2 diabetes develop it. Without treatment, it can progress to a more serious condition: diabetic macular edema (DME) which is a build-up of fluid that blurs central vision. Vision changes often arrive without pain or early warning with the resulting impact even more profound and life-changing, including vision loss, inability to work and severe limitation of independence. But timely treatment can stabilize or even improve sight.

· Kidneys: Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Early kidney changes are silent, which is why screening matters. An estimated 40 per cent of people with diabetes develop CKD, which itself has stages (1-5). While CKD can be detected in earlier stages, patients may only see symptoms at stage 3 and at stage 5, patients require dialysis.

· Heart: Diabetes raises cardiovascular risk by 2-4 times. The combination of heart failure and other cardiovascular risks is a highly prevalent finding among people with diabetes in the UAE.

· Nerves: Diabetes damages nerves - especially in the feet, impacting balance, sensation, and mobility. This is known as diabetic neuropathy.

· Liver: High blood sugar leads to fat accumulation in the liver, which, if left untreated, can progress to liver scarring and liver failure.

While all this may sound alarming, early detection and treatment can make all the difference, yet many people living with diabetes simply don’t know that they need to ask for it.

What early action looks like

Most diabetes-related complications can be detected early through routine tests. You may ask your doctor about eye exams to detect any retinal vessel damage. Urine tests and specific kidney and liver function blood tests can identify onset or risk of CKD and liver disease. A lipid profile can help detect cardiovascular disease risk.

Because we require these whole-body assessments to help patients with diabetes, it is easy to see why an integrated care approach matters.

The UAE is building a more connected model of care

An integrated care model requires seamless exchange of data between care providers. In many health settings, this coordination is not easy to achieve, but in the UAE, health authorities are actively working towards this goal, as evidenced by recent initiatives.

In 2024, Emirates Health Services rolled out AI-based retinal imaging across multiple emirates, screening thousands of patients with diabetes and referring high-risk cases swiftly. With the expansion of health information exchanges such as Malaffi in Abu Dhabi and NABIDH in Dubai, the potential for integrated data sharing across hospitals is growing, helping physicians identify risks earlier and coordinate care across specialties.

Even when a patient does not have access to integrated care, they can still have the conversation with their healthcare provider to discuss and understand their risks. And this will only happen when patients view diabetes as more than just uncontrolled blood sugar.

A call to broaden how we see diabetes

Too often we treat diabetes as nothing more than a number on a glucose meter. That mindset misses the point: diabetes affects the eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves and more. When we recognize it as a systemic condition and act accordingly through prevention, routine screening and coordinated care, we can stop decades of preventable harm.

If you are someone living with diabetes: consult with your physician for proactive management of your blood sugar, and regular eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves checks instead of waiting for symptoms to appear.

With proactive care, we can change the story of diabetes – from delayed detection of the systemic effects of diabetes to early action and healthier future.

Important note: This article is for general awareness and does not replace medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

- The author, Uwe Dalichow is Head of Region EMA and Country Division Head MENA, Pharmaceuticals Division, Bayer

https://gulfnews.com/gn-focus/company-news/diabetes-isnt-just-about-sugar-it-impacts-every-organ-1.500440595

Medical Compass: Protecting your vision when you have diabetes

From tbrnewsmedia.com

By David Dunaief, M.D.

A serious complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is the leading cause of blindness among U.S. adults. DR develops when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to blurred vision and even permanent blindness, often in both eyes.

Despite the risks, many people with diabetes are not getting regular eye care. As of 2023, only about 66 percent of adults with diabetes received the recommended annual eye exam. This is concerning because early detection makes a huge difference. When DR is caught early, treatments are far more likely to prevent or limit lasting vision loss.

                                                                                                                                   METRO photo

A common complication: diabetic macular edema

A serious consequence of diabetic retinopathy is diabetic macular edema (DME). With DME, fluid builds up in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Swelling in this area can significantly impair eyesight, making everyday activities like reading or driving difficult.

People who have had diabetes for many years face the highest risk for DME. Unfortunately, symptoms often do not appear until the condition is advanced. By then, some of the damage may already be irreversible.

How is diabetic macular edema treated?

Treatments for DME often include eye injections of anti-VEGF medications, sometimes combined with laser therapy. These medications block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that contributes to abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye. This can slow disease progression and, in some cases, improve vision.

A randomized controlled trial found that injections of ranibizumab (Lucentis), used alongside laser treatment—whether the laser was given immediately or delayed—were effective in treating DME. Other treatment options may include anti-inflammatory eye drops, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids, which aim to reduce swelling in the macula.

Do diabetes medications reduce the risk of DME?

Surprisingly, medications used to treat type 2 diabetes do not necessarily reduce DME risk. In fact, some may increase it. The THIN trial, a large retrospective study, found that a class of diabetes drugs called thiazolidinediones—which includes Avandia and Actos—was linked to a higher incidence of DME compared to patients who did not use these medications.

After one year, 1.3 percent of patients taking these drugs developed DME, compared with just 0.2 percent of those who were not taking them. This increased risk continued throughout 10 years of follow-up. The FDA has also issued warnings about other serious side effects associated with this drug class.

The risk appeared even higher in patients who used both thiazolidinediones and insulin. However, researchers could not determine whether the increased risk was caused by the medications themselves or by more severe diabetes.

Not all studies agree. An ACCORD Eye sub-study did not find a link between thiazolidinediones and DME. That study examined retinal photographs from almost 3,000 participants. Both studies had limitations, including incomplete data on how long patients had taken the medications and how well their blood sugar was controlled. Researchers also noted that not all potential influencing factors could be accounted for.

Can diet and blood sugar control help protect vision?

Better blood sugar control does appear to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy. The main ACCORD trial showed that intensive glucose control using medications lowered the risk of DR progression. However, this approach also increased overall mortality and did not reduce major cardiovascular events.

These results suggest an important takeaway: how blood sugar is controlled matters. A nutrient-dense, plant-based diet that helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels may lower your risk of diabetic retinopathy and further vision loss—without the added risks seen with medication-intensive approaches.

Protecting your vision

If you have diabetes, the most effective way to protect your eyesight is to keep your blood sugar well controlled and to schedule yearly eye exams with an ophthalmologist. Regular screenings can identify problems early, when treatment is most effective and vision loss may still be preventable. This is especially important for people taking thiazolidinediones or those who have had diabetes for many years.

Because your eyes are often affected long before you notice symptoms, it’s important to stay proactive. It can make the difference between preserving your vision and losing it.

https://tbrnewsmedia.com/medical-compass-protecting-your-vision-when-you-have-diabetes/ 

The Quiet Epidemic: Why People With Diabetes Lose Their Sight

From mynewstouse.com

For the nearly 40 million Americans living with diabetes, the threat to their vision unfolds quietly, often without warning. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication that damages blood vessels in the retina, has become the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the United States. Yet what makes this epidemic particularly tragic is that it doesn’t have to be this way. 

“The vast majority of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is preventable,” said Janice C. Law, MD, retina specialist in Tennessee. “Studies show that regular eye examinations and timely interventions can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by 90 percent.” 

Still, many Americans are falling through the cracks. Only about 60 percent of people with diabetes receive the annual dilated eye examinations recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a shortfall driven by lack of access, awareness, and time. 

Expanding Access to Care 

If you or someone you care about has diabetes, schedule a dilated eye exam today. Uninsured or underinsured? See if you qualify for a no out-of-pocket cost medical eye exam through EyeCare America®. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists, physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care, with eligible patients aged 18 and older who need eye care. Visit www.aao.org/eyecare-america to learn more. 

                                   People with diabetes are particularly at risk for vision problems and should see an eye doctor regularly

When to See a Doctor 

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often presents no symptoms at all—a fact that underscores the importance of preventive screening rather than waiting for problems to emerge. 

“Even if your vision seems fine, a yearly dilated eye exam is important,” said Dr. Law. “By the time patients notice flashing lights, blurred vision, floating spots, or other warning signs, the disease may have already progressed significantly.” 

When should a person with diabetes have an eye exam? 

If you have type 1 diabetes, you should have eye examinations at least yearly beginning 5 years after being diagnosed with diabetes. Your ophthalmologist may recommend more frequent examinations. 

If you have type 2 diabetes, you should see an ophthalmologist at least yearly as soon you are diagnosed, regardless of your age. Follow your eye doctor’s recommendation about how often you should be rechecked, as this varies for every individual. You may need to have your eyes checked more often than once a year. 

But diabetes isn’t the only reason to see an ophthalmologist. All healthy adults should have a comprehensive eye exam by age 40 when early signs of cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration?may begin to emerge. 

“Forty is typically when subtle signs of eye disease begin to emerge,” Laura C. Fine, MD, chair of EyeCare America, explained. “Many times, people don’t even notice any changes to their vision during these early phases of disease. However, vision-saving treatments are most effective when the disease is caught early.” 

The Treatment Gap 

Ophthalmologists have more tools than ever before for diagnosing and treating eye diseases. But these innovations cannot help patients whose disease goes undiagnosed or who remain unaware of their condition’s severity. 

The message is clear: The technology to save sight exists. What’s needed now is making sure that everyone who needs it can access it in time. 

https://www.mynewstouse.com/stories/untitiled,37792 

Chicago: Prevent Blindness Launches New Resources to Educate Public on the Effects Diabetes has on Vision

From prnewswire.com

CHICAGO, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prevent Blindness, the nation's leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, is offering new resources to the public as part of its Diabetes-related Eye Disease Month in November.

According to the study, "Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the US in 2021," approximately one in four Americans ages 40 and older with diabetes have Diabetic Retinopathy. A higher percentage of Black (8.7 percent) and Hispanic (7.1 percent) individuals with diabetes are at risk for vision loss compared to their White (3.6 percent) counterparts. There are significant variations by state and county which reflect related factors such as access to eye care and resources.

Diabetic retinopathy can lead to other serious vision problems including diabetes-related macular edema, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. And, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.

Fortunately, the risk of vision loss and blindness from diabetes-related eye disease can be significantly lessened if it is detected and treated early. That's why Prevent Blindness is offering free educational resources that include webpages, fact sheets and social media graphics in English and Spanish, and a variety of educational videos.

New this year, Prevent Blindness is launching the Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library offering free, 24/7 access to critical diabetes eye health information, accessible via voice commands in both English and Spanish. Patients or care partners are invited to call 1-833-998-5850 for medically vetted information on diabetes-related eye disease, eye exam preparation and scheduling, condition management strategies, and specialized guidance for pregnant patients and the newly diagnosed. Co-created with patients and providers, and supported by funding from Regeneron and Genentech, this resource is designed to provide prevention information accessible to diverse audiences.

For eye care providers, Prevent Blindness will also soon be releasing a modular education program focused on patient-centred, bias-free diabetes and vision care. Working with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology's ophthalmic allied health professionals Continuing Education (CE) program as well as the American Optometric Association's paraoptometric CE program, this new effort works to identify gaps in care and patient experiences. This program is also made possible through funding support from Regeneron and Genentech.

As part of theJuvenile Diabetes and Vision Health resource, new "Diabetes + Your Eyes: Vision Health in Youth" fact sheets (available in English and Spanish) are available including "Diabetes: Be Your Teen's Vision Hero!" and "Diabetes: Your Vision, Your Life." These resources are supported by funding from UnitedHealthcare.

The Prevent Blindness Diabetes-related Eye Disease video series includes a variety of educational videos designed for the public.

• The Patient Perspective: Diabetes-related Eye Disease
• Diabetes and Your Eyes ABCs
• Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes: What you need to know about your eyes
• Introduction to the Diabetes + the Eyes Educational Toolkit

An upcoming new Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health podcast will host a special roundtable discussion about diabetes and eye health. Guests include Rajeev S. Ramchandran, MD, MBA, associate professor of ophthalmology at University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute; Talana Townsend, president of Visually Impaired Advocates - Houston; and Nita Sinha, senior director, Public Health at Prevent Blindness.

Finally, Prevent Blindness recently assembled its new Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee. The all-volunteer committee brings together leaders from eyecare and public health, patient advocates, diabetes-education professionals, and more. Among many of the group's charges are improving diabetes and eye health programs and education, increasing access to quality eye care and treatment, drafting and advancing federal and state policy, and promoting research and surveillance.

"By educating patients on how to prevent vision loss from diabetes and implementing systems and programs that increase access to eye care across the United States, we will empower millions of patients with diabetes to avoid unnecessary vision loss and blindness," said Dr. Ramchandran, member of the Prevent Blindness Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee.

For general diabetes-related eye disease information, please visit http://preventblindness.org/diabetes. For more information on Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library, visit https://preventblindness.org/audio-library

For a free listing of organizations and services that provide financial assistance for vision care in English or Spanish, please visit https://preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/. 

About Prevent Blindness 

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at PreventBlindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-part-of-novembers-diabetes-related-eye-disease-month-prevent-blindness-launches-new-resources-to-educate-public-on-the-effects-diabetes-has-on-vision-302596874.html 

Diabetic Retinopathy: Why Screening Is Essential

From yalemedicine.org

A leading cause of blindness, this condition can develop without symptoms, making preventive steps and eye exams imperative 

If you have diabetes, it’s not only your blood sugar levels you need to pay close attention to, but also your vision.

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, causing a condition called diabetic retinopathy—a leading cause of blindness both globally and in the United States.

The lifetime risk of diabetic retinopathy is striking: about 50-60% for people with type 2 diabetes, and more than 90% for those with type 1 diabetes.

The good news, says Yale Medicine ophthalmologist Kristen Nwanyanwu, MD, MBA, is that blindness from diabetic retinopathy is largely preventable.

“The first treatments for diabetic retinopathy were identified more than 40 years ago and they’ve only gotten better,” Dr. Nwanyanwu says. “We now have options ranging from laser treatments to medications injected into the eye. The challenge is that the disease can progress quietly, so it’s crucial that people see their medical provider at the right time.”

Because damage to the eye from diabetic retinopathy often occurs before any vision problems appear, annual eye exams are important.

“If you have diabetes, you need to have your eyes screened,” Dr. Nwanyanwu emphasizes. “Even if you are seeing well, you can still have damage from diabetes in your eyes.”

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy develops when chronically high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that helps you see clearly.

Type 1 diabetes usually occurs when the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin, leaving the body with very little or none. Type 2 diabetes generally happens when the body doesn’t respond well to insulin (insulin resistance) or doesn’t make enough insulin, often due to a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors. In both conditions, persistently high blood sugar can harm blood vessels throughout the body, including in the eyes.

“When the retina’s blood vessels are damaged, they lose their protective cells, which makes them prone to breaking and bleeding,” Dr. Nwanyanwu explains. As the disease advances and blood flow decreases, the eye tries to make new blood vessels. “But the only time you want to make new vessels in the eye is in utero—otherwise, new vessels in the eye are harmful. They’re weak, they bleed easily, and cause blurred vision.”

“In the late stages of diabetic retinopathy, abnormal blood vessels can cause vitreous haemorrhage, which is bleeding in the eye cavity, or even retinal detachment,” she says. “Both of those can lead to blindness.”

Who is most at risk for diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy can affect anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In 2021, an estimated 9.6 million people in the U.S.—about 26% of those with diabetes—were living with the condition. It is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age people in the country.

People with diabetes who have had chronically elevated blood sugar levels, a stroke, a heart attack, an amputation, kidney failure, or who are on dialysis are all at higher risk of eye disease because of their advanced disease, Dr. Nwanyanwu says.

Those with type 1 diabetes should be screened for diabetic retinopathy within five years of diagnosis; those with type 2 should be screened as soon as they are diagnosed.

“It can take time for damage to occur with type 1 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed quickly, but with type 2 diabetes, people may have had undetected high blood sugar levels for years before being diagnosed, and damage might have already happened,” she says.

How is diabetic retinopathy prevented?

The key to preventing diabetic retinopathy is maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and scheduling regular eye exams. That’s because while the initial damage is happening, it doesn’t cause noticeable vision changes and people continue to see fine—making it easy to overlook.

“If you are seeing perfectly fine, your eyes might not feel like a priority when you already have a list of health care maintenance things to do because of your diabetes,” Dr. Nwanyanwu says. “Add challenges like busy schedules, parenting demands, food or housing insecurity, or financial stress, and it’s easy to see why eye exams sometimes get skipped. But getting a regular, comprehensive eye exam should be at the top of the list.”

How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?

Doctors have more tools than ever for detecting diabetic retinopathy. A dilated eye exam remains the gold standard, but new approaches include tele-ophthalmology (where images of the eye are taken with specialized cameras and sent to specialists for review) and artificial intelligence systems designed to flag signs of diabetic retinopathy.

During an eye exam, an eye doctor can look at the retina for signs of damage, which can include microaneurysms (small bulges in the vessels), leaking blood, and neovascularization (growth of new, fragile blood vessels that bleed easily). Additionally, doctors may see signs of swelling, called edema, in the macula, which is at the centre of the retina and is responsible for detailed vision.

How is diabetic retinopathy treated?

Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy is treatable and the outlook is encouraging. “We do a really good job of treating it and we save vision every day,” Dr. Nwanyanwu says.

First and foremost, anyone with diabetic retinopathy should work with their primary care physician or endocrinologist to manage their blood sugar levels. In some cases, better blood sugar control can reverse early diabetic retinopathy, she says.

“Because of that, we don’t start using our treatment tools until more advanced stages,” she says. And when treatment is needed, it can include medication injections into the eye that can reduce swelling in the retina and help shrink abnormal blood vessels. These are given monthly at first and then less frequently over time.

Laser treatments are also used to change the environment in the eye and stop abnormal blood vessels from growing. Laser treatments are more permanent than injections and are often used in more advanced stages of the disease.

While the treatments may sound uncomfortable, Dr. Nwanyanwu reassures patients that they are well tolerated and highly effective.

What’s the future look like for diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetes rates continue to climb globally, but advances in treatment—including newer medications such as GLP-1 agonists for obesity and diabetes—offer hope for reducing complications like diabetic retinopathy.

For now, the key is vigilance. “I don’t expect to see rates decline in the near future, but that is our ultimate goal,” says Dr. Nwanyanwu, who notes that this is the goal of Yale Medicine’s SEEN (Sight-Saving Engagement and Evaluation in New Haven) Lab, which she directs. “Every day, I wake up eager to help prevent blindness that doesn’t need to happen,” she says.

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/diabetic-retinopathy