It has been said that the eyes are the window to the soul but did you know your eyes can be a predictor of your state of health. Early signs of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can be detected by a skilled physician by examining your eyes.
Problems associated with diabetes that affect the eyes are known as ¡§diabetic eye disease¡¨. Diabetic eye disease can lead to vision loss and in more severe cases total blindness. A diabetic should have an annual eye exam by an ophthalmologist or been seen promptly if they experience any sudden visual changes.
There are three major eye diseases that can affect a diabetic¡¦s eyes
Diabetic Retinopathy - Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness is adults in the US and the most common of diabetic eye diseases. In diabetic retinopathy there is a change in the blood vessels of the retina which may swell and/or leak fluid. There also may be the growth of new vessels on the surface of the retina. Initially an individual may have no symptoms but as the disease progresses it causes visual changes and untreated can lead to blindness. Control of your blood sugar level, blood pressure and cholesterol are the best defense against diabetic retinopathy.
Cataracts - A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye, very common in older individuals, caused by a clumping of protein on the lens. Cataracts seem to develop at an earlier age in individuals who are diabetic.
Glaucoma - Glaucoma is a result of fluid pressure build up inside the eye which left untreated can cause damage to the optic nerve of the eye. A diabetic is twice more likely to develop glaucoma than adults who are not diabetic. Again early detection and treatment can prevent visual loss and/or blindness.
Along with the annual eye exam by a qualified eye practitioner, a recent study has suggested that diet plays a role in preventing diabetic retinopathy. It is believed that there is a direct correlation between the increase of homocysteine (an amino acid present in the bloodstream after consuming certain foods) and diabetic retinopathy. In a study of 168 individuals with type 2 diabetes, the outcome showed 48 percent of type 2 diabetic having retinopathy also had high levels of homocysteine in their blood.
This indicates that a change of one¡¦s meal plan to include more fresh fruit and vegetables can control and lower the homocysteine level thus will decrease the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
In his book, ¡§Death to Diabetes¡¨, DeWayne McCulley, a diabetic who survived a near death diabetic coma when his blood sugar soared over 1000, explains 8 core nutritional supplements beneficial to most diabetics and the 4 critical nutrients to optimize exercise results. The book also defines the 5 super foods, the 5 "dead" foods which is known as his Super Meal Model.
Don¡¦t lose your eyesight to diabetes. Diabetes and many of the complications associated with this disease are manageable by making lifetime lifestyle changes.
Since March is Save Your Vision Month...if you haven't had an eye exam in months...pick this as the month you guard your vision.
Posted By: Belinda Anderson
Tuesday, March 3rd 2009 at 1:52PM
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