Prevent or Delay Diabetic Macula Edema: Discover the Unknown Secrets

Desmond Croker

Sep 12 2023

4 Min. Read

Reviewed by

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September 12 2023

Diabetes

Health Care

Lifestyle

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is a complication of diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the blood vessels in the retina.

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that helps you see. DME occurs when fluid leaks from the damaged blood vessels and accumulates in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision. This fluid buildup causes the macula to swell and distort, leading to blurred or distorted vision or even vision loss

DME is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 7.7 million Americans have diabetic retinopathy, and about 750,000 have DME. DME can affect anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, regardless of age or gender. However, some factors can increase your risk of developing DME, such as:

• Having diabetes for a long time
• Having poor blood sugar control
• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Being pregnant
• Being of African American, Hispanic, or Native American descent
  

If left untreated, DME can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. That’s why it’s crucial to get regular eye exams and monitor your vision for any changes. The sooner you detect and treat DME, the better your chances of preserving your sight.

How can you prevent or delay DME?

The good news is that there are some effective ways to prevent or delay DME. Here are some unknown secrets that can help you:

1. Keep your blood sugar levels within the target range recommended by your doctor. This is the most important thing you can do to prevent or delay DME and other complications of diabetes. Studies have shown that keeping your blood sugar levels under control can reduce the risk of developing DME by up to 76%. You can achieve this by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, taking your medications as prescribed, and testing your blood glucose frequently.
   
2. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage the blood vessels in your eyes and worsen DME. You can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol by eating less salt, fat, and sugar, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and taking medications as prescribed by your doctor.
   
3. Take supplements that support eye health. Some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help protect your eyes from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are involved in the development of DME. Some of these supplements include:

• Vitamin A: This vitamin is essential for maintaining the health of the retina and preventing night blindness. You can get vitamin A from foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, eggs, and liver.
• Vitamin C: This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your eyes from free radical damage and boost your immune system. You can get vitamin C from foods like oranges, strawberries, broccoli, peppers, and kiwi.
• Vitamin E: This vitamin is another antioxidant that can prevent or slow down the progression of DME by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the eyes. You can get vitamin E from foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado, olive oil, and wheat germ.
• Zinc: This mineral is important for supporting the function of the retina and preventing macular degeneration. You can get zinc from foods like oysters, beef, chicken, beans, nuts, and whole grains.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin: These are carotenoids that are found in high concentrations in the macula. They act as natural filters that protect your eyes from harmful blue light and reduce oxidative stress. You can get lutein and zeaxanthin from foods like kale, spinach, corn, eggs, and orange peppers.

Before taking any supplements, make sure to consult with your doctor or diabetes consultant about the appropriate dosage and possible interactions with other medications.

Try some natural remedies that can improve your eye health

There are some herbs and spices that have been used for centuries to treat various eye conditions and improve vision. Some of these natural remedies include:

Bilberry: This is a berry that contains anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that can strengthen the capillaries in the eyes and improve blood circulation. Bilberry can also protect your eyes from diabetic retinopathy by preventing blood vessel leakage and inflammation. You can take bilberry as a supplement or eat it fresh or dried.

Turmeric: This is a spice that contains curcumin, which is a compound that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. Turmeric can help prevent or treat DME by reducing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and inhibiting the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eyes. You can take turmeric as a supplement or add it to your food or drinks.

Green tea : This is a beverage that contains catechins, which are antioxidants that can protect your eyes from oxidative stress and inflammation. Green tea can also lower your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of DME. You can drink green tea hot or cold, or take it as a supplement.

Again, before using any natural remedies, make sure to check with your doctor for safety and effectiveness.

Get regular eye exams and treatment if needed.

The best way to prevent or delay DME is to catch it early and treat it promptly. You should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, or more often if you have signs or symptoms of DME. Your eye doctor will use special tests and tools to check your retina for any signs of damage or fluid buildup. If you have DME, your eye doctor will recommend the best treatment option for you.

Conclusion

DME is a serious eye condition that can affect anyone with diabetes or at risk of diabetes. It can cause blurred or distorted vision, or even vision loss if left untreated. However, there are some effective ways to prevent or delay DME and protect your vision. By following these unknown secrets, you can improve your eye health and enjoy a better quality of life:

• Keep your blood sugar levels within the target range recommended by your doctor.
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control
• Take supplements that support eye health
• Try some natural remedies that can improve your eye health
• Get regular eye exams and treatment if needed

If you find it challenging to manage your blood sugar or adopt lifestyle changes, we can help you by assessing your needs and giving you the best support possible to recover quickly from Diabetes. These supports include Diabetes Self-management, coaching, diet support, behavioural therapies and exercise recommendations. 

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