Diabetes Complications: Diabetes and Eye Problems

Written by NDIC

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness. If you have diabetic eye problems, here's what you need to know.

High blood sugar increases the risk of diabetes eye problems. The three major eye problems that people with diabetes may develop are cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy.

Contents:

• What are diabetes problems?
• What should I do each day to stay healthy with diabetes?
• What can I do to prevent diabetic eye problems?
• How can diabetes hurt my eyes?
• How can diabetes hurt the retinas of my eyes?
• What happens as diabetes retina problems get worse?
• What can I do about diabetes retina problems?
• How do I know if I have retina damage from diabetes?
• What other eye problems can happen to people with diabetes?
• Pronunciation Guide
• For More Information

What are diabetes problems?

Too much glucose in the blood for a long time can cause diabetes problems. This high blood glucose, also called blood sugar, can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys. Heart and blood vessel disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can do a lot to prevent or slow down diabetes problems.

This booklet is about eye problems caused by diabetes. You will learn the things you can do each day and during each year to stay healthy and prevent diabetes problems.

High blood glucose can cause eye problems.

What should I do each day to stay healthy with diabetes?

Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietitian have worked out.

Be active a total of 30 minutes most days. Ask your doctor what activities are best for you.

Take your medicines as directed.

Check your blood glucose every day. Each time you check your blood glucose, write the number in your record book.

Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.

Brush and floss your teeth every day.

Control your blood pressure and cholesterol.

Don't smoke.