Contents
How to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy: Your Ultimate Guide
Published: Jan 13, 2024
Preventing diabetic retinopathy is all about managing your diabetes and keeping an eye on your eye health. Here’s how to do it.
Regular Eye Screenings
Regular eye examinations are essential for detecting diabetic retinopathy early. Screening can help catch changes in the eyes before symptoms arise. It’s recommended that people with diabetes have an eye exam at least once a year, or more frequently if advised by their doctor.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Keeping blood sugar levels under control is crucial in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Consistent monitoring and maintaining a balanced diet can help stabilize blood sugar. Working closely with healthcare providers to adjust medications as needed is also important.
Controlling Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure and cholesterol can exacerbate diabetic retinopathy. Taking prescribed medications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help control these conditions. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers ensure these levels are kept in check.
Frequently Asked Questions
At least once a year, or as recommended by your doctor.
It helps prevent the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Yes, a healthy lifestyle can reduce risk factors.
Yes, keeping it under control is important.
Yes, it helps prevent complications from diabetic retinopathy.
Wrapping Up
Prevention is the best defense against diabetic retinopathy, and it starts with you.
References
- Klein R, Klein BE, Moss SE, et al. The Wisconsin epidemiologic study of diabetic retinopathy. III. Prevalence and risk of diabetic retinopathy when age at diagnosis is 30 or more years. Arch Ophthalmol 1984; 102:527.
- Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Research Group, Lachin JM, White NH, et al. Effect of intensive diabetes therapy on the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes: 18 years of follow-up in the DCCT/EDIC. Diabetes 2015; 64:631.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?